“Fundamentally it goes against everything I believe in, which is the need for competition in the marketplace. While I think it’s innovative, I’ll tell you up front I can’t support this one-size-fits-all solution. If I want to take Black Top or Yellow Cab, I choose that. If there’s a one-size app, it knocks the competition out.”
The idea that the market doesn’t have room for both taxis and ride-hailing apps was also challenged by Uber’s representative, Michael van Hemmen.
Van Hemmen, the company’s public policy manager for Western Canada, argued the taxi industry’s concerns are overblown, and tried to portray his company’s service as part of a wider push away from Metro Vancouverites’ reliance on personal vehicles.
“In every city across North America where Uber exists, taxis still exist. In fact, one taxi company in Toronto said that they’re having their best year ever. We view our primary competition as a personal automobile. We want to find ways that you will choose not to drive yourself, but instead choose Uber and public transit, bike sharing and car sharing, and other sustainable alternatives.”
There is no question that something needs to change. As Van Hemmen pointed out, Vancouver recently had a hectic holiday season, which saw many people face long waits to get home from parties. This was clear proof that a new approach is long overdue. as proof that a new approach is overdue.
[via CTV News]
