As portrayed in the opening statement by plaintiff counsel Thomas Conway, representing taxi plate holders and brokers in their $215-million class action lawsuit against the city, the municipal reaction to Uber’s arrival was “chaotic and unplanned” — despite the fact that they could anticipate the company would be coming to Ottawa — and enforcement efforts were “weak and ineffective,” even compared to other jurisdictions.
“But after plate owners invested in the system so that they and their families could have a better future, the city decided to change the regulatory regime, and the fundamental premise upon which it was based.
During the review that led up the the bylaw’s adoption, Burke said the city learned via consultation that Uber was, in general, “considerably more popular amongst consumers than taxis” and that “consumers in Ottawa wanted Uber on the basis that it was more convenient, offered better customer service, was less expensive, and many riders found it to be safer.”
“The present challenge by plate owners is an effort to thwart the progress that technology brings, and to protect their economic interests in preserving the historical monopoly that was enjoyed by the taxi industry for many years,” Burke argued.
Business Business Latest News, Business Business Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: OttawaCitizen - 🏆 21. / 68 Read more »
Source: CTVNewsVI - 🏆 28. / 68 Read more »
Source: ctvottawa - 🏆 29. / 67 Read more »
Source: ottawasuncom - 🏆 4. / 92 Read more »