Quebec OKs another year of Uber, but adds a few new rules
Quebec is renewing its pilot project with Uber for another year, with some modifications, Transport Minister Laurent Lessard said on Friday.
However, the ride-sharing company will have to abide by a few new rules.
Lessard said all Uber drivers will now have to go through a police background check rather than one by a private firm used by Uber.
Drivers will also have to undergo 35 hours of training (up from 20) to match what taxi drivers in Montreal must undergo.
This is the only extension of the pilot project permitted under the current rules, Lessard said.
If the government decides to let Uber stay, the National Assembly would have to adopt a law to allow the ride-sharing company to operate in the province.
“The Ministry of Transportation informed us this morning of new and challenging regulations that favour old policies instead of incorporating the benefits of new technology,” Uber Quebec spokesperson Jean-Christophe de la Rue said. “Our team is still waiting to review the new regulations, but based on our current understanding, these changes significantly threaten Uber’s ability to continue operating in Quebec.”
The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) was also critical of the amendments made.
“The government must take the time to reconsider the impact of the changes it is proposing before implementing them,” said Stéphane Forget, president of the FCCQ.
“We ask the Ministry of Transportation to quickly begin a dialogue with the directors of Uber so as to make decisions that will guarantee the continuation of the pilot project.”
Lessard announced two other measures on Friday, including a push for modernization aided by $5 million a year from the government, as well as the revenue generated by Uber, which Lessard said is about $7.2 million. The government will undertake an evaluation on how to minimize the impact on the value of taxi permits.
The measures come after a year of discussions with the taxi industry, which resulted in 19 recommendations to Lessard.