Like it or not, ride-booking is here to stay

Re Regulate Uber, don’t ban it, Editorial Sept. 17 I downloaded the Uber app and I am so happy I did. It is transportation meets technology and modern convenience.

I understand why the taxi companies are upset. But Uber is here to stay; that is the reality. As long as their drivers undergo background checks and meet safety precautions that licensed taxi companies must comply with, I see no reason to block them.

I wish the public transit companies would develop a real-time app like Uber’s. If the taxi companies want to compete, they can follow Uber’s lead, develop an app, offer ride-booking, etc., and we can have real choice again. Shelly-Ann Francis, Hamilton Uber should be permitted to operate under proper supervision and regulation. The role of the government should not be to obstruct industries, but to ensure that businesses run in a fashion that ensures the protection of the public.

The city councillors who are ignoring staff recommendations to reasonably regulate Uber are not fighting for the protection of the people, but for the protection of the taxi industry.

A healthy market place is one where businesses are able to compete under similar regulations, rather than one business having more government protection than others. Unregulated industries have historically proven to be more disastrous and dangerous, as proven by the black market.

The council should listen to the research of their staff, and any other reasonable recommendations should also be considered. That way, council will be doing its proper job. Logan Nishimura, Calgary