A Letter to the Region of Waterloo — Uber

  I missed the meeting to discuss how to regulate taxis and uber in the Region of Waterloo. So, I wrote this letter to the members of the committee of my concerns.

To the standing Committee of Licensing and Hearings

  I am an owner/operator at Waterloo Taxi for the last 11 years. I have been driving in the region for 22 years. I started as a part-time driver for a friend then for others. The question of taxi regulation or deregulation in the Region of Waterloo? I have done my own research into this. I can say that regulation is the only way to insure that the safety and fairness to all, consumers and the taxi industry.

Uber has not brought in anything new to the industry at all. They are exactly the same as a taxi broker. This emerging technology is like when taxi companies went to in-car radio dispatch, instead of going to the office to get their next call. Over the last ten years the taxi industry has been growing with this technology. Now, in the region we’ve gone from radio dispatch to cellular technology. But, we still have the radio for emergency backup when the internet goes down. We’ve listen to our customers all the time, to improve the services. As Uber moves into the region, they say they will create jobs. Their real goal is to destroy the taxi industry, then to compliment it.

Uber is new, but what they have done will hurt everyone in the region. Taxi industry — unfair business practices equally to job losses in the Region. Consumers — discriminate people with disabilities, no credit cards, and no smartphone. Region — licensing fees and taxes. Ontario — the collection of HST which in return comes back to the region in funding. 

I have only a few comments on the draft By-law.

Part 1 Section 21 –How it’s right that the taxi industry to be barred from receiving more licenses? If one or more taxi companies’ consumer base grows. They should have the right to expand the fleet to stay competitive. If the region see fit that no more meter taxi license aren’t needed. Then auxiliary taxi service should be also limited number.

Part III Section 34 sub-section 1 –Due to the requirements of this business of operating 24 hours 7 days a week. Drivers can work 3 or 4 days a week. Where the 10 hours is not enough to cover a shift. This is not like driving a transport truck. Drivers have a lot of waste time during their shift. Now, working more than 16 hours would be the unsafe number of hours in this industry.

Part IV Section 45 –Can a corporation obtain a license? If so, a corporation can hold a broker’s license. First thought comes to mind is Toronto, New York and all the large cities in the world, is their troubles in the taxi industry. The system we have here is a great example for the rest of the world. Every taxi owner is a part owner of one of these companies in the region. These owners are taking responsibility in their own business.

  I like to thank you all for your time in reading this letter. My final comment is bias. The taxi industry in the region is one of the best in the world. How I can make this claim. Simple, customers from around the world say so. People visiting the Universities, The Perimeter Institute, and the entire tech sector in the region. We in the industry worked very hard to represent all the good in this community.

Thank You!

Victor Amorim (Waterloo Taxi-Car 34)

Uber - Marketing?? Word Games???

  I just finish reading a blog from STRYVE Digital Marketing - 8 Reasons Why Uber in Kitchener-Waterloo needs to happen.  He must really love uber!  or he got paid?

  There's the link to the blog http://stryvemarketing.com/uber-in-kitchener-waterloo/

1: Uber is easy to use and more efficient - really? The app is no big deal.  Guess what?   We have one and a new updated app is coming.  With all the same features as Uber's. Oh! Can you get service 24/7?  I don't think so!  My favorite is "NO CARS AVAILABLE",  Guarantee there will be a taxi working.

2: Uber is just as safe, if not safer than conventional cab - How does he know this?  Uber's criminal checks hasn't pan out.  Just check online!  Car safety?  Where's the vehicle safety certificate?  Uber has been caught in the UK, not doing a proper vehicle safety inspection.  Here in the Region of Waterloo each and every taxi is require to goto MTO (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario) certified garage and get a safety.  The insurance that Uber carries is to cover Uber from liability.  If the Car owner doesn't have commercial insurance than his insurance won't cover him or the passenger.  Call a insurance company. Oh, do they have in-car video cameras.  To protect customers and driver?  We do!!

3:  Uber is faster - I don't think so.  I know more about these city than any gps system.  Especially now with all the construction that going on in this region.  Gps system don't usually take the shortest routes.  Oh!  We do have a gps maps on our in-car terminals also.  Plus google maps has hard time keep up with all the new streets in the region.

4:  Uber is more convenient - At a friend's house and you don't know the address?  What you don't know the restaurant's name?  Our database would have address on record.  I hope your phone doesn't die while your waiting for that car!

5:  Uber is cheaper - Not really!  Proven in the region!  Now if Uber carpooling was available than I can't argue, but it's not!

6:  Uber is cleaner - Now this is real bullshit !!!  I go out my way to keep my car immaculate!  I don't want sit in filthy car also.  In our company we do spot inspections on cars and anyone in the company or customer can report on any car that are not in good order.  Those that are reported are automatically taken off the system until they're clean.

7:  Uber will not put taxi drivers out of work - Tell that to the 8 drivers that lost their jobs.  But, in reality driver's in the taxi industry will make a lot less income do to more cars on the road.  Which hurts them and then the community.  Why work for Uber?  Might make more money.  Economics 101 - to be Uber driver you need a car with commercial insurance. Then add in the maintenance cost of your vehicle.  25% of the money that Uber takes leaves the region.  Which result in job losses in the community.

8:  Forward-thinking communities have embraced Uber - Really?  Most of the cities didn't have a say with Uber!  Uber doesn't work with the community!  They break laws everywhere!  Just check the news!

  I'm going to quote from his blog "Considering all the benefits listed above, I asked someone in San Francisco, “Why would anyone still use conventional taxis?” Her reply, “I guess the people who still use conventional taxis are old-school and resistant to change”. I couldn’t agree more.

Kitchener-Waterloo, we have to ask ourselves the question: do we want to be considered an old school community and resistance to change or do we want to be a community open to innovation and integrating better and smarter solutions?" 

  Then you are a very small minded person!  Old-school?  Resistant to change?

  Uber is just a rebranded taxi broker!

 The taxi industry has been around for decades.  We are constantly looking at new technology to improve service.  We even have backup system if the internet goes down.  Look what happen in New York.  When Uber system went down.  But, you're so smart that you forget there's a lot people that don't want or can't afford a smartphone.  Same thing with credit cards.  What about all those hacks into walmart and the endless amount of other vendors for credit card information.  How secure is Uber?  They don't do a lot stuff  above board.  And that last question that you ask.  If you had to ask that question about Kitchener-Waterloo then you really don't know the history of the Region of Waterloo.  But, then again the region will not be steamrolled by 50 Billion dollar company.  Next time when you really want a safe, reliable, clean and legal ride.  Call a taxi or uses our app. Oh and you can book a taxi on-line also.  That's right more options and better.

  Uber = no options

Uber vs. The Law

  In Ottawa, Canada taxi drivers posing as passengers.  Collected evidence of illegal Uber car.  The Mayor calls these men as thugs!!!  Really, what has the mayor of Ottawa done to protect the legal industry.  Nothing!  If the mayor actually did something with by-law to stop what's going on.  This would not happen.  He says it doesn't help their cause.  He sure hasn't.  Through out Canada, Uber has open up shop without any regulation or licenses to operate.  Who's the thug?  Taxi drivers taking a video.  Which the ride was paid for. Or Uber operating illegally.  Cheaper fares?  Surge pricing?  Insurance?  Car safety? Criminal checks?  HST collection?  How are these politicians allowing this to happen?  Pressures from customers?  Taxi industry?  Or small group of small minded people.

  Uber vs The law?  Uber has won by default, because of lazy politicians that don't want to enforce the law on a 50 Billion dollar company!  I like to see how they would react if the taxi industry came after them with a lawsuit.  Look what happens when governments act slowly to these situation in the rest of world.  Conflicts everywhere.  Some very violent.

  To The Judge in Toronto that said Uber is not a taxi broker should really need to learn how a broker works.  Old day you used a phone dial the number and talk to someone.  Modern day we use the web or apps.  And yes taxi industry use apps also.  One is more personal than the other.  So, Uber is acting as Broker.  Collecting fees from customers.

  Get to work politicians!  Or more like this will happen!  http://metronews.ca/news/ottawa/1449728/ottawa-cab-drivers-release-second-anti-uber-video/

  Stop Uber illegally working without a license!  Fair play with fair wages!

  Here's a interesting video on Uber also!  Riding Dirty: How Uber Takes Drivers and Passengers for a Ride | Nailed It!

Uber! Are they a criminal organization ?

  I hope that everyone realize that I'm a taxi owner.  But, I like to speak the truth. No matter what the consequences are.
  Uber, are they a criminal organization?  Let's see the history so far.  No Licenses to work in the taxi industry in most parts of the world.  Surge pricing when there's a strikes or anything that could jack up the price.  To extort consumers when they are at their most vulnerable.  Telling drivers that they are covered by their insurance.  Passengers' safety is in question when so many of Uber's drivers are not check properly for criminal  records.  Tax evasion?  Does anyone know for sure what they say is the truth?
  Oh!!  My favorite is that they say they will create jobs.  The numbers they spout out is crazy.  For example,  Waterloo region has about 569,000 people.  Out of that number is roughly 69,000 people live in rural areas.  There is about 336 taxis and 20 disability vans. Uber what's to put out 2400 Uber drivers.  Who in hell is going to make any money!  Really !! 2400 cars on the road!!  That is almost 8 times more cars on the road. I have a hard enough time making money these days.  Now, I have to fight against them.  How are the rest of my fellow cab owners going to make enough money to keep our employees in the office or a living wage. You think there's a money pot for us to dip in.  Like Uber, investor dropping boat load of money.  I don't think so.  Is Uber a criminal organization?  

  Please help our community to stay safe.  Let's keep jobs here.  Keep our money in the community not in the pockets of Uber!

Here's a link to the Waterloo Region Taxi Alliance www.wrtaxi.ca  Check it out!
Here's another link from CBC Ottawa http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/ottawa/uber-blitz-in-ottawa-after-taxi-drivers-release-vigilante-style-video-1.3183279 check it out! 
Uber cars working and defying the law.

Uber - tax avoidance - I wish

Ok, more information on Uber!  Watch out Canada !  Money could be leaving Canada in a big way!
May be even jobs could be lost also.  Let's trust Uber in their fine business practices.  Please read!   www.businessinsider.com

Uber is up to no good again !!!!

  Another insurance article !!!  How does this company keep in business by telling people that they're insured.  Drivers and passengers don't take my word on this.  Call a insurance company!  Don't put your faith in a company that disregards the law.  Before something really bad happens.  Please read this article.  www.insurancebusiness.ca
The Insurance Bureau of Canada  stepping into Uber debate also  Insurance Bureau of Canada

Uber ! What happen to their criminal checks?

I came across this article tonight!  I hope all those people that think Uber is out for the customers should read this newspaper article.  http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-uber-criminal-records-20150804-story.html