The Saskatchewan government gave ridesharing the green light at the end of 2018, but in Regina services like Uber and Lyft are still waiting at the red. City administration unveiled potential rules in mid-January and the executive committee sent them back for further review.

The proposed rules say drivers must be experienced with a Class 5 license, have a good driving record, undergo a criminal record check, and have their vehicles go through an annual safety inspection.

Contrary to taxi regulations, in-vehicle cameras are not mandatory and driver information will be displayed on the ridesharing app prior to a customer accepting a ride.

Capital Cabs owner Glen Sail voiced concern about this, saying cameras help ensure safety for drivers and passengers. Additionally, Sail said that taxi drivers have badges so incidents can be reported to a specific badge number and better action can be taken.

Earlier this month, Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said he believes displaying driver information in an app prior to accepting a ride can help ensure passenger safety.

Executive committee sending the proposed rules back to administration for further review prompted rideshare supporters to mobilize and gain momentum heading into the Jan. 28 council meeting.

This includes the Regina Chamber of Commerce creating a form letter to express support and a Facebook group planning to pack the council chambers with supporters.

“So far it seems that there’s really been one side of the story being told for this by the taxi companies. We know that most people in Regina do support ridesharing, they want it to be here,” rideshare supporter Dale Richardson said.

In total, 19 delegations are on the agenda for Monday’s meeting. This includes supporters, representatives from the CNIB, Chamber of Commerce, taxi industry, MADD Canada, Uber, Lyft, supporters, and one woman pushing for Class 4 license requirements in the event of sexual assaults.

Saskatoon approved local rideshare bylaws at the end of December.

More to come…

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