Uber GM Addresses Concerns In Halifax Over Wages And CO2 Emissions
HALIFAX – For years, most people in Halifax have been asking for ridesharing services to come into the city. A recent survey showed that 88 percent of respondents would use ridesharing, and 68 percent were dissatisfied with taxi operations.
Last week, Uber made the long-awaited announcement that they’d be setting up in Halifax before the end of 2020. The announcement, not coincidentally, came just weeks after HRM and the province made regulatory changes that made it possible for ridesharing companies to operate.
“We needed regulatory change in order to come and in the last couple of months, we got that,” said Uber Canada general manager Matthew Price in an interview with Huddle. “The city of Halifax passed bylaws that affectively legalizes ridesharing and the province made some changes that streamline the process around licensing.”
“What we now need is drivers; as many drivers as we can get to offer as reliable a service as we can, across the biggest geography we can possibly serve.”
RELATED: ‘Halifax Is Open For Ridesharing,’ Says Uber Rep After Provincial Licensing Changes
But Uber’s arrival does come with some concern. When the council was debating the new package of ridesharing laws, some councilors were worried about the environmental impact of having so many new cars on the road.
One of those councilors is Lindell Smith, who represents District 8 of the HRM. He voted against the package of new rules in September, because they wouldn’t come with the per-trip-fee most council wanted.
A per-trip fee would help offset the environmental impact of ride-hailing services on city roads. However, the city can’t charge one unless the province makes changes to the Motor Vehicle Act.
“We do know that (ridesharing) does create more congestion and more vehicles on the road,” said Smith. “For us to willingly put ridesharing on the road without looking at how it impacts the environment (is concerning).”
RELATED: Uber Isn’t The Only Ridesharing Company Coming To Halifax
In his interview with Huddle, Matthew Price said that Uber has a plan in place to tackle Co2 emissions caused by their vehicles.
“We made a commitment just earlier this month that, in any city with supportive policies, we will be emission zero by 2030 and we will be emission zero in all cities around the world by 2040,” said Price.
Uber is launching a program to help drivers transition to electric vehicles. They want to partner with third parties to reduce the cost of owning electric vehicles. Another upcoming program, called Uber Green, allows riders to request an electric or hybrid car for a surcharge.
Another concern people in Halifax have raised is whether or not Uber pays a livable wage to their drivers. Back in June Canada’s top court allowed a $400-million class-action lawsuit against Uber to proceed. The lawsuit was launched by Uber drivers seeking minimum wage and other benefits outlined in Ontario’s labour laws.
Price told Huddle that Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, and the amount of money they make is dependent on several factors.
“They are their own boss. They choose when to drive, where to drive, and for how long to drive. And it’s important to know that earnings vary based on a bunch of different factors,” said Price.
“A lot of our drivers are only part-time. They’re only putting a few hours on the platform per week to top up their other earnings. At the same time, some people choose to drive as a primary source of income and find they can make a living that way.”
“We aim to provide a living wage, but it’s going to vary based on local market conditions.”
Then, of course, there is a longstanding concern about the effects ridesharing on the taxi industry. Cab drivers in many Canadian cities, and around the world, have opposed companies like Uber, worried they would be squeezed out of a job.
Halifax Mayor, Mike Savage, said he understands the concern, but the people in Halifax want to have the option of using ridesharing.
“I think that’s a legitimate concern and it was raised at our council meetings…at the end of the day though, you have to give people choice and options and I’m hopeful that the taxi industry can adjust,” said Savage.
“You can’t turn the clock back on things like ridesharing or AirBnB. I have young adults as kids who reinforced to me quite regularly how hard it is to get a cab sometimes in the city. And people want choice and people want convenience.”
Savage also said council will be keeping an eye on ridesharing in the city and that companies like Uber will have to work within the current rules outlined by council and the province.
“We haven’t given the ridesharing companies everything they wanted,” said Savage. “We’re going to make sure we protect the safety of our citizens. We’re going to work with the province on the licensing, which is their purview, and we’ll keep an eye on it.”