Taxi drivers pack regional council to hear from Uber official

The debate over whether the ride sharing app Uber should be allowed to operate in Waterloo Region is heating up.

Local taxi drivers packed the regional council chambers last night as an official with Uber appeared before council.

Uber’s public policy manager Chris Schafer told council there is no reason to believe they will drive taxi operators out of business.

He also maintains Uber is safer than local taxis.

The Record reports, Schafer maintains the screening process for Uber drivers is more stringent than what taxi drivers undergo and his service has forced cab companies elsewhere to improve their service.

However, some taxi drivers in attendance argued Uber is not safer and fear if it does set up shop here it will result in many drivers simply leaving the business.

No decisions have been made on how to proceed, but staff is expected to review the region’s taxi bylaw at some point down the road.

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