HALIFAX – The Halifax regional council is set to discuss significant proposed bylaw changes today, aimed at enhancing oversight of Uber and other ride-hailing services operating within the municipality. This initiative comes amidst growing concerns from local officials about the regulation and safety of ride-hailing services in comparison to traditional taxi and limousine companies.

Uber has expressed strong opposition to these proposed changes, arguing that they could result in an increase in fares for riders and create excessive bureaucracy. The ride-hailing giant further claims that the new regulations would impose additional fees on drivers, thereby affecting their earnings.

Last month, the Halifax Regional Council was presented with a staff report that suggested aligning the licensing requirements for ride-hailing services with those that taxi and limousine companies already adhere to. Currently, taxi and limousine drivers are required to submit their training outcomes and background checks to the municipality, which include vital checks for criminal records and allegations of child abuse.

In contrast, while ride-hailing drivers, such as those working for Uber, must also undergo training and background checks, the oversight and management of these checks are executed by companies like Uber, rather than the municipality itself. This discrepancy has raised concerns among council members regarding the adequacy of oversight for ride-hailing services.

The proposed bylaw changes are comprehensive and not only aim to enhance the regulatory framework for ride-hailing services but also include measures intended to facilitate taxi companies in adjusting their fare structures more easily. The first reading of these proposed changes is scheduled and it could be a pivotal moment for the future of ride-hailing regulation in Halifax.

This development follows a broader trend in various municipalities across Canada, where local governments are reassessing the regulatory frameworks afforded to ride-hailing services to ensure passenger safety and fair competition with traditional taxi services.

As the Halifax regional council deliberates on this matter, the outcome of their discussions could have significant implications for both riders and drivers, influencing pricing structures and operational regulations within the ride-hailing industry in the region.