According to a new survey from Mainstreet/Postmedia, there is a narrow margin between Uber supporters and those who think it should be banned in Toronto.
The survey found that 45 percent of Torontonians are in favour of allowing Uber drivers to continue driving without a municipal taxi license, while 37 percent believe it should be banned. However, when you look at the responses by age group, Uber fared much better.
Among Torontonians that are between the ages of 18-24, 73 percent supported the ride-sharing service, compared with only 22 percent of those 65 and older. In a statement, president of Mainstreet Quito Maggi said:
“Our findings show that most people are paying close attention to the situation between Uber and taxis, with those most aware of the situation favouring Uber. However, Torontonians still hold a generally positive view of taxis.
Uber is most popular with a younger, more technologically conscious demographic, almost all of whom have smartphones. The generational gap in support for Uber reflects the fact that young people are, quite simply, much more familiar with it.”
The survey also found that 85 percent of respondents felt safer in a taxi compared to Uber vehicles. Only 48 percent of respondents said that they felt safe in an Uber vehicle.
Maggi said that in the end “people want cabs and Uber to get along.” However, given the recent battle between Uber and the taxi industry in Toronto and across the world, this doesn’t seem like it will happen any time soon. Toronto will be reviewing its taxi bylaws in September to include services like Uber.
[via CityNews]
