Uber seeks approval from Burnaby City Council

After being banned from operating in Vancouver, ride-sharing service Uber still has its sights set on B.C. roads.

A spokesperson for the company made a presentation to Burnaby City Council Thursday night saying Uber brings innovation to a stagnant industry.

“So many people like what it is that we offer,” said Chris Schafer, Uber’s Canadian public policy manager.

But the app is not without its controversy. While the company operates in more than 300 cities it was forbidden from operating in India after a New Delhi businesswoman claimed an Uber driver raped her. It has also been banned from Toronto and Edmonton.

Mohan Kang, president of the BC Taxi Association, said Uber is trying to illegally force their way into the Lower Mainland.

“We have to comply with the rules, right? Why should there be an exemption for them?” Kang said.

Schafer told Burnaby city council that DUI infractions drop in areas where the company operates. He also said the service would complement the existing transit system.

“We find a significant number of Uber trips begin or end near existing public transit infrastructure,” Schafer said

Demand for cabs is so high in Vancouver that a ghost taxi driver market is growing. But like Uber drivers, ghost cab drivers are not legally licensed or properly insured.

Emon Bari, general manager of Burnaby company Bonny’s Taxi said the ride-sharing service should be subject to the same requirements as cabs.

“It has to be the same level playground in insurance, safety, security, bylaws and the provincial laws,” Bari told Burnaby city council.

But Schafer was adamant that Burnaby should be open to the benefits of Uber.

“Regulations should protect consumer safety, that is absolutely crucial, but they should not be used to protect industries resistant to change,” he said.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Sarah MacDonald