The ride-sharing industry must operate within a competitive environment rather than be regulated beyond the public’s choice
The ride-sharing industry faces regulatory roadblocks as it tries to gain traction across the country. Led by Uber, the industry is disrupting traditional transportation by providing people with alternatives to taxis and buses. The competing choices now include one’s own vehicle, public transit, taxi or Uber (or a similar service). As the ride-sharing industry spreads…
Taxis and ride-sharing services can happily co-exist. Even cabbies are starting to get that
“She's got a ticket to ride, but she don't care,” goes the old Beatles song. When it comes to Uber, most riders would sing along. If consumer demand was the only issue, the ride-sharing service would probably be operating across Canada by now, just like it does in over 600 cities around the world. Unfortunately,…
Trudeau’s political blindness when it comes to “unfair” small business tax loopholes is staggering
It all seemed perfectly reasonable: tax the low hanging fruit of "fat cat" professional corporations to fund programs for the poor. Who could object to that? Turns out plenty of people object. A Hurricane Harvey of resentment has landed in Canada and its torrent of political backlash is growing stronger by the day. The Liberal…
Open markets and free trade help consumers economize on energy consumption while reducing CO2 emissions
Between February 2015 and September 2016, 700 Uber vehicles were reportedly seized in Quebec – including by the provincial auto insurance Crown corporation. And the government erected more roadblocks on the ride-sharing service as some drivers were slapped with fines of more than $7,500. Although many politicians don’t like Uber, its services are popular with…
To create a level playing field, Uber and taxi fees and regulations should be the same
For Canadians who use Uber and believe ride-sharing is a sign of a healthy free market, this will be a huge week. Toronto city councillors are holding a big vote on the regulation of Uber and taxis. Some see it as a means of leveling the playing field. Some feel it’s the only way to…
Uber uses a scheme called Double Dutch to avoid paying any taxes in Canada
Why would anyone object to Uber, the user-friendly on-line drive-share service? Uber’s many riders obviously love it, but it seems civic officials are having conniptions. Their main complaint is that Uber drivers are unlicensed to carry passengers and may not have adequate insurance. In addition, officials are genuinely concerned that the presence of Uber creates…
The ride-sharing industry faces regulatory roadblocks as it tries to gain traction across the country. Led by Uber, the industry is disrupting traditional transportation by providing people with alternatives to taxis and buses. The competing choices now include one’s own vehicle, public transit, taxi or Uber (or a similar service). As the ride-sharing industry spreads…
