Uber Offers Concessions to Taxis as Legislative Hearings Begin in Quebec

According to a report from the Winnipeg Free Press, Uber is willing to temporarily suspend operations in Quebec as city council prepares new legislations and regulations regarding ride-sharing services.

In a statement, the general manager of Uber Montreal Jean-Nicolas Guillemette said that the company would be willing to charge clients taxes on each ride. Over the course of a year, Guillemette said that this would provide government with about $3 million.

Guillemette’s comments came on the first day of legislative hearings in Quebec about Bill 100, which would force Uber drivers to operate under the same regulations as traditional taxi drivers. The ride-sharing company says that if the bill is passed, Uber will end all operations in Quebec.

However, to counter this bill, Guillemette said that Uber is willing to charge a seven cent tax per ride, which would go towards Quebec’s automobile insurance board.

In a statement, Guillemette said “we are ready to suspend our operations during that time,” if the ride sharing company is permitted to sir down with the government to find common ground on regulations and legislations.

Guy Chevrette told reporters that the government has two choices: pass Bill 100 or compensate all drivers dance companies that have paid for a taxi licence, which he says could cost the government about $1.4 billion.