Toronto Taxi Drivers pursuing class action against Uber

[geeky]

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/toronto-cab-drivers-sue-halt-uber-seek-c-183003344--finance.html

They are seeking to shut down Uber operations + $400MM in damages.

I think you all know my opinion on Taxi unions...

Discuss away!

 

[GameBoy27]

The taxi industry should concentrate on providing better service at competitive rates. People Uber because it's better, cheaper and the cars are cleaner and in better mechanical condition. It's not rocket science!

 

[Toke]

The taxi industry should concentrate on providing better service at competitive rates. People Uber because it's better, cheaper and the cars are cleaner and in better mechanical condition. It's not rocket science!

While I agree that taxi companies (or any company for that matter) should concentrate on service and rates, shouldn't Uber do so under the same regulations as cabbies? Some of the cost associated with taking a cab is due to the cost of them operating under the regulations set out. It's the equivalent to opening up a restaurant in your home and not expecting to be shut down.

 

[Keebler Elf]

I think you all know my opinion on Taxi unions...

There's a taxi union??

 

[geeky]

There's a taxi union??

Yes.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Yes.

What's it called?

 

[geeky]

No idea. I've read several Toronto Star articles referencing the Taxi Union though. Through the course of conversation with some of the more personably taxi drivers throughout Canada several have also told me they are part of a union.

That all being said - sort of besides the point of this thread. To get back on topic:

Taxi Drivers suing Uber in a class action.

 

[james t kirk]

While I agree that taxi companies (or any company for that matter) should concentrate on service and rates, shouldn't Uber do so under the same regulations as cabbies? Some of the cost associated with taking a cab is due to the cost of them operating under the regulations set out. It's the equivalent to opening up a restaurant in your home and not expecting to be shut down.

Not really.

The thing is, the cab industry may claim to be regulated, but do they really obey the regulations??

The drive shitty ass broken down pieces of fucking junk (my number one beef).

Their cars are filthy, smelly, and the drivers are lazy assed for the most part.

My GF has complained about being treated like shit by Muslim cab drivers.

You name it.

I have to take a lot of cabs to the airport and usually the guy shows up and just sits in the car and pops his trunk when he sees me with a couple of bags. The drivers are usually on the phone during the drive yapping away in whatever foreign language they speak. I've gotten into beefs with drivers who give out attitude, or have to stop for gas, or just plain drive like fools.

And then there is how they drive on the road. They cut you off, they stop anywhere they feel like, do u-turns, block traffic, try to get in accidents (deliberately)

Next to hipster cyclists, cab drivers are my number 1 pet peeve.

So really, I'm sure there are a ton of regulations that govern the taxi industry saying that they have to drive clean cabs, and cars that operate, blah blah blah.

But they don't. In fact, quite the opposite.

Let the public vote with its wallet.

 

[Toke]

Not really.

The thing is, the cab industry may claim to be regulated, but do they really obey the regulations??

The drive shitty ass broken down pieces of fucking junk (my number one beef).

Their cars are filthy, smelly, and the drivers are lazy assed for the most part.

My GF has complained about being treated like shit by Muslim cab drivers.

You name it.

I have to take a lot of cabs to the airport and usually the guy shows up and just sits in the car and pops his trunk when he sees me with a couple of bags. The drivers are usually on the phone during the drive yapping away in whatever foreign language they speak. I've gotten into beefs with drivers who give out attitude, or have to stop for gas, or just plain drive like fools.

And then there is how they drive on the road. They cut you off, they stop anywhere they feel like, do u-turns, block traffic, try to get in accidents (deliberately)

Next to hipster cyclists, cab drivers are my number 1 pet peeve.

So really, I'm sure there are a ton of regulations that govern the taxi industry saying that they have to drive clean cabs, and cars that operate, blah blah blah.

But they don't. In fact, quite the opposite.

Let the public vote with its wallet.

None of what you said addresses anything I mentioned regarding the cost of driving a cab. What you mentioned is service, which I already agreed with. There are many costs associated with driving a cab. Few, if any, of which Uber pays.

The public can, has, and will 'speak with their wallets', but evening the initial playing field would be required. If what you favor is best, then you're arguing that the all governmental bodies end issuing all permits and licenses so that the public-can-speak with their wallets.

 

[geeky]

Side note: Here we are on a forum dedicated to "illegal activity" discussing another "illegal activity". For some reason, I have no qualms paying for a sexual service even in this C-36 environment, while I am paranoid about being caught using an "illegal taxi service" like Uber in its infancy. I think I'll wait a little bit until things develop or calm down. (And I realize I sound like I might be contradicting myself since I have revealed I am practically combining the two illegal worlds by applying to become a driver for service providers.)

If it makes you feel better, the Ontario Supreme court recently rules that Uber is perfectly legal in Toronto, and operates as a different enough business model that it is not subject to taxi regulations.

Further, all of the legal activities are aimed against the Uber drivers, and Uber itself. Paying for ride sharing, or hell even an illegal taxi-cab is not the legal responsibility of the rider, but rather the driver. In other words, you have nothing to worry about by ordering an Uber instead of a taxi.

 

[david01]

Wrong. You have plenty to worry about. Do you think any Uber driver is carrying commercial insurance? What do you think the insurance company is going to do when they find out they were carrying paying customers if you get into
an accident? Who's going to pay for your rehab? No one! I work as a photographer and Belair wouldn't insure me because they deemed having a camera in the car made me commercial and they don't provide commercial insurance!

If it makes you feel better, the Ontario Supreme court recently rules that Uber is perfectly legal in Toronto, and operates as a different enough business model that it is not subject to taxi regulations.

Further, all of the legal activities are aimed against the Uber drivers, and Uber itself. Paying for ride sharing, or hell even an illegal taxi-cab is not the legal responsibility of the rider, but rather the driver. In other words, you have nothing to worry about by ordering an Uber instead of a taxi.

 

[gudnite]

My main beef with the taxie industry is the way they treat many handicap people an people with service dogs. If they won't pick up someone then get the fuck out of the busniess.

 

[Spacealien2]

Regulations on Taxis should be removed so they can compete fairly with Uber.

 

[Toke]

My main beef with the taxie industry is the way they treat many handicap people an people with service dogs. If they won't pick up someone then get the fuck out of the busniess.

I'm guessing that Uber doesn't provide this either. Perhaps less so since these are privately owned vehicles.

 

[geeky]

I also recently read about the recent Supreme Court ruling (July 3rd: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...down-uber-dismissed-in-court/article25273958/).

However, a mere three days after that ruling, Uber drivers here in Ottawa are still targeted by the taxi industry and police (July 6th: http://www.ottawasun.com/2015/07/06/city--of-ottawa-sics-cops-on-uber-drivers).

And when I type "Is Uber legal in Ottawa?" into Google, I cannot get a straight answer. Interpreting C-36 was way easier for me; at least I KNOW what laws I'm breaking with that. :rofl:

It's like they're going after Uber users harder than they're targeting johns.

That sun article only talked about going after drivers. Nothing against targeting riders. Besides, there is no way for police to determine if you are in a car with your buddy or riding an uber. Finally, its an Ontario Highway Act law they're trying to enact to fine the drivers. As soon as one gets laid, it will go to Ontario Court again, and they will cite the ruling that just passed in Toronto.

Hobbying is a way bigger risk than Ubering lol

But to each their own

As for the insurance thing - I don't buy it. My OHIP coverage will certainly cover my immediate medical needs, and long term care would have to be covered by my private insurance if the uber's car insurance doesn't pay for it. Again, we'll let the courts decide - the second they refuse to pay for someones paid policy because of this, there will be a challenge in court.

 

[david01]

What private insurance?? Your auto policy isn't going to cover you in a car that you're not insuring! The Uber driver's policy isn't going to cover you because it's not a commercial policy and he's using it for business! You want to be the guy testing this case in court while it drags on for years? Who's going to pay for your rehab and pain meds in the meantime? Guess how many sessions of physiotherapy OHIP covers? ZERO!

As for the insurance thing - I don't buy it. My OHIP coverage will certainly cover my immediate medical needs, and long term care would have to be covered by my private insurance if the uber's car insurance doesn't pay for it. Again, we'll let the courts decide - the second they refuse to pay for someones paid policy because of this, there will be a challenge in court.

 

[NiceShoes]

Blame internet/mobile tech. The market will seek for faster and more effective solution which Uber provides over ordinary Taxi services. Just like other shit loads of businesses went disappear due to internet/mobile tech, Good ol' Taxi business model will no longer be sustainable. Taxi union can talk all they want, but, it's money talk and lobbying at the of the day.

 

[herbnessman]

With all the talk of relaxing regulations for taxis to allow them to compete I'd rather see a more regulated setup like NYC. All the cabs look the same, need to meet standards of cleanliness and and are certainly more affordable. I recognize that economies of scale are a factor but the consistency of the experience is a plus to me.

 

[james t kirk]

With all the talk of relaxing regulations for taxis to allow them to compete I'd rather see a more regulated setup like NYC. All the cabs look the same, need to meet standards of cleanliness and and are certainly more affordable. I recognize that economies of scale are a factor but the consistency of the experience is a plus to me.

The cabs in London were great.

 

[red]

That sun article only talked about going after drivers. Nothing against targeting riders. Besides, there is no way for police to determine if you are in a car with your buddy or riding an uber. Finally, its an Ontario Highway Act law they're trying to enact to fine the drivers. As soon as one gets laid, it will go to Ontario Court again, and they will cite the ruling that just passed in Toronto.

Hobbying is a way bigger risk than Ubering lol

But to each their own

As for the insurance thing - I don't buy it. My OHIP coverage will certainly cover my immediate medical needs, and long term care would have to be covered by my private insurance if the uber's car insurance doesn't pay for it. Again, we'll let the courts decide - the second they refuse to pay for someones paid policy because of this, there will be a challenge in court.

The justice dunphy ruling didn't say uber was legal he said the bylaw ass written didn't apply since they did not receive telephone calls- it had nothing to do with ottawa or the Ontario law. He took a narrow approach to his ruling and suggested that toronto council can amend their bylaw.