The resistance to ridesharing service Uber has intensified in Toronto, as a class action lawsuit has been launched by taxi drivers in the city.
Reuters reports documents filed seek $400 million CAD in damages from Uber, plus an injunction to cease operations in Ontario:
Law firm Sutts, Strosberg LLP, which is representing the taxi drivers, said in a statement on Thursday that the named plaintiff, cab driver Dominik Konjevic, alleges that “Uber X and Uber XL have created an enormous marketplace for illegal transportation in Toronto”.
The case proposed covers all taxi companies in the province and drivers as well; if the case goes to trial, drivers and companies can opt out of the class-action.
Uber Canada spokeswoman Susie Heath said in a statement to Reuters “This protectionist suit is without merit,” further adding “As we saw from a recent court ruling in Ontario, Uber is operating legally and is a business model distinct from traditional taxi services.”
Jay Strosberg, a partner at the firm said the case is based on provincial law and not municipal regulations, which separates this case from an earlier Judge decision noting Uber operated legally in Toronto.
Earlier today, Uber announced the launch of its UberX service in southwestern Ontario, bringing the ridesharing service to London, Waterloo Region, Hamilton, and Guelph.
Time to sit back (in your UberX) and grab the popcorn, folks.
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On that logic, Apple should sue Samsung for stealing business because they offer similar services and products.
I’d be interested to see them prove they’ve lost 400 mil in revenue. This case will thrown out almost immediately I’m willing to bet.
Apple did win close to $1billion in court from Samsung for infringement. 😉
But with this case, I don’t think it’ll go through. Ontario Superior Court already said Uber is legal.
I’m against uber because of their lack of insurance to protect both drivers and passengers, however as of right now they are legal to operate. Having said that I don’t care for cab drivers. Always ripping people off and never properly maintaining their vehicle. This lawsuit is dumb. Give me a break, it’s capitalism deal with it. Is Rona suing home depot because more people shop there? Cabbies have had a free ride for sometime now …. Welcome to the rest of the world … It’s called competition.
I would rather call an über over a cab any day. Also, their insurance policies DO cover any passengers in their vehicles. I believe you are misinformed.
Poorly maintained interiors, radio station tuned into the cabbies’ native language or talking on a Bluetooth device to whomever in their native tongue, B.O., if you’re going to the airport, once you arrive looking at you like they’re expecting you to take your own luggage from the trunk. I could go on & on. What’s not to like about taking a cab? Adios I say & the sooner the better! I won’t shed one single tear. Instead of embracing change & trying to adapt they want to keep their broken system in place! Good riddance to bad rubbish!
Well technically they’re not collecting payment from the driver. The passenger pays uber who then will pay out their drivers.
I’m not sure what that has to do with insurance?
They aren’t receiving payment directly from the passenger, and thus the lines of being considered a “taxi” and requiring commercial insurance is blurred.
No it’s not. Incidents have already occurred and insurance companies have denied the claims. Regardless if you have paid the driver or Uber through the app, it’s understood that you have entered the vehicle for a fee.