Compromise motion on Uber taxis passed by city councillors

Edmonton city council wants controversial ride-share program Uber to stop operating in the city until a new by-law can be drafted to make room for the new option.

IfUberdoesnt cease operations, councillors agreed the city would file an injunction against the company.Uberdrivers started picking up paid fares in late December.

Councillors on the executive committee passed the recommendation after a marathon six-hour meeting on Tuesday.

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Coun. Andrew Knack put forward the motion.He says the status quo needs to change.

From what I've heard from the general public, they want a new option to get around. That I heard loud and clear, he said.

I also heard pretty loud and clear that we need to change the existing taxi system. This motion does the necessary work to do both.

Representatives from Uber attended Tuesdays meeting but declined an opportunity to comment on the committees decision.

City officials have said in the past they consider the ride-share service illegal under the Vehicle for Hire bylaw, since Uber drivers are not licensed by the city.

The taxi industry opposesUberbecause their drivers don't have to pay the licensing and insurance fees they are required to pay.