Calgary cab drivers look to put the brakes on Uber-friendly bylaw tweaks

Roughly 150 frustrated taxi drivers packed into a room Thursday to speak out against proposed changes that could encourage Uber to come back to Calgary. 

Many in attendance at the Livery Transport Advisory Committee meeting said they don't understand why Calgary would consider making any accommodations for this particular ride-hailing company — especially when other operators such as Tapp Car have agreed to the city's current rules.

"Uber's still not satisfied. They're bullies. They're invading each city the way they want, and they're imposing their rules on everybody," said taxi driver Omar Baidoun.

But Uber maintains that Calgary's current fee structure is "cost-prohibitive."

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Under the current bylaw, Uber would have to pay the city $1,753 per year, plus an additional $220 per registered driver. 

The LTAC met Thursday to decide whether to tweak the current rules by introducing an alternate set of rules that companies could choose to operate under, which would include a $0.20 fee per ride, a $15 fee per driver and an administration fee based on the number of drivers.

Michael van Hemmen, Uber Canada's public policy manager, said the proposed changes would be a "step in the right direction."

"Our hope is to be in Calgary as soon as possible. Hopefully, we'll be able to do so very shortly after council makes any changes."

The LTAC meeting lasted approximately six hours before it was adjourned. Discussions will resume Nov. 18.

If LTAC approves the changes, the report will come before a standing committee of council, and eventually will go to city council for a vote.