Taxis struggling 3 years after Uber's arrival in Ottawa

Nearly three years after Uber went from law-breaking upstart to legitimate business model, Ottawa's remaininglicensed taxi drivers say they're struggling.

Ottawa city council voted in April 2016 to legalize the app-based ride-hailing service and others like it, much to the ire of the traditional taxi industry.

"[What's] still very upsetting for us is that, although the city kept telling us it would be a level playing field,it's far from being a level playing field," said Marc Andre Way, chief operating officer of cab company Coventry Connections..

'It's far from being a level playing field'

6 years ago

Duration 0:58

Marc Andr Way, chief operating officer of Coventry Connections in Ottawa, says ride hailing companies have had a big impact on traditional taxi services, especially when it comes to the regulations for recruiting and training drivers.

But Way said licensed drivers still facerequirements that Uber driversdon't, including specialized training and insurance.

"We have quite a few hurdles before we can hire a driver, versus they just hit a button," he said.

When the changes that came into effect in 2016, some fees were reduced or eliminated altogether for taxi drivers.

UniforLocal1688, the union representing Ottawa taxi drivers, has been lobbying the city tomake it easier for cabs to compete.

"You are actually damaging one side and then promoting another side with no rules," union treasurer Ali Enadsaid.

Customers turning to Uber

While Coventry Connections estimates it's lost about 30 per cent of its regular customers, Way said a far bigger struggle has been recruitment.

"We are in constant recruit mode in trying to attract our drivers," Way said.

Enadestimates between500 and 600 licensed drivers have quit or turned to Uber or Lyft over the last two years.

"We are losing about 40 per cent of our daily income," he said."It's very hard. We have to put in long hours to make a living."

• Uber legalized under new rules that take effect this fall, city council decides
• Gatineau taxi drivers to strike Monday over proposed reforms

Enad said he's worried about what's happening across the bridge in Gatineauas well.

Bill 17,tabled last week by Quebec Transport Minister Franois Bonnardel, would deregulate much of the taxi industry in that province.

Cab drivers in Gatineau stageda one-day walkout Monday to protest the sweeping reforms.

"We feel their pain, we've been through this before," Enad said.