Toronto v. Uber – A Timeline

While Uber seems like a great alternative to the standard taxi, many issues have been raised concerning the legality of Uber’s operations in Toronto. And without a doubt, their appearance in the market has made it harder for standard cab and limousine drivers to earn a living. With their legality in dispute, here I look at some of the scrutiny Uber has undergone at city hall, and the outcomes that resulted.

In November of 2014, the City of Toronto filed a court injunction against Uber on the grounds that the company had been illegally operating as a taxi and limo brokerage since 2012. Unfortunately, a loophole was discovered in old city by-laws that Uber had been exploiting, specifying taxi services as ordered over a phone line, has allowed the online-only system to continue to function.

In September 2015, Toronto City Council held a meeting concerning taxi regulation. While Uber was the main reason for the meeting, the debate was focused around demanding a fully regulated system for all taxis in Toronto, and to ensure that Uber drivers and regular taxis are equally regulated and monitored. Up until this meeting, Uber drivers operated without business insurance or proper background checks, and their vehicles had few inspection requirements. This was risky business, as part of the taxi licensing system involves the checking of drivers and vehicles to ensure public safety.

By February of 2016, under pressure from the city’s licensing and standards committee, Toronto city council held a vote regarding whether or not to seek a court injunction against Uber and individual UberX drivers. The motion was ultimately denied. Interestingly enough, the city’s legal department argued against pursuing that course of action, saying it was unlikely it would be heard by the courts before new taxi rules go before council in April.

April came along, and a first draft of new bylaws targeted at ride-sharing services was put forth to city council, and was immediately met with criticism by Uber. Ian Black, Uber Canada’s general manager, told a Toronto Sun editorial board  that the ride-sharing service would have little choice but to leave the city if council passes regulations served up by the licensing and standards committee.