Uber to resume operations under new ride-sharing regulations

The ride-sharing company Uber announced Thursday morning that they will resume operations in Edmonton starting midnight on July 1.

Uber Edmonton suspended their services on March 1, 2016 when the city outlined a plan to regulate drive-for-hire companies with police checks, a Class 4 license and appropriate insurance for drivers.

Last Tuesday, the provincial government formally announced these plans with a reviewed framework that would allow Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber to resume business.

Every Uber driver in Alberta will now be covered under this new policy by Intact Insurance -- purchased by Uber --  and it includes $2 million of third party liability coverage per incident, Alberta statutory accident benefits, uninsured motorist coverage per incident, loss or damage to a vehicle, and coverage between trips.

“By connecting riders looking to get from point A to point B with drivers, Uber is creating thousands of economic opportunities for Edmontonians,” Uber’s General Manager for Alberta Ramit Kar said.“We want to applaud Mayor Iveson and city council for their leadership in embracing innovation and more transportation options.”

While Uber temporarily cancelled their services, local ride-sharing business TappCar launched March 14 with the proper necessities to operate legally. On June 29, TappCar announced that they will begin operations to and from the Edmonton International Airport.

Alberta is the first Canadian province to develop specific regulations for ride-sharing companies such as Uber and TappCar.