Hamilton charges 8 Uber drivers

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The city of Hamilton has charged eight Uber drivers, accusing them of violating taxi by-laws. It’s the latest community to lay charges against drivers for the ride-sharing service.

Uber has been operating in the city of Hamilton since July and although riders who use it appear to like the service, the traditional taxi industry has been pushing back; calling it unfair competition.

The charges include operating a taxi without a licence, driving a vehicle not approved for use as a taxi, and failing to provide a copy of insurance coverage to the city of Hamilton. If convicted each driver could be forced to pay a fine in excess of $25,000.

Licensing director Ken Leendertse says the charges were laid because Uber violates the city’s taxi bylaw, which is in place to protect the public.

“We’ve already told Uber when we met with them earlier in the year, that they’re welcome to come. They’re a new business but they have to fit within our guidelines.

“They have to register as a broker, drivers have to be licensed, cars have to be checked. They have to work on an even playing field as the taxicab industry.

“They’re more than welcome to operate in Hamilton. If they don’t want to comply with our legislation, then of course they’re going to be held accountable.”

In an email to CHCH News, Uber Canada’s Xavier Van Chau said “Rather than take enforcement action, we believe that a regulatory solution is the best path forward and look forward to continuing our work with the City of Hamilton to establish a regulated framework for ride sharing in the city.”

Uber added that they will back their drivers, or as they put it, “their hardworking community partners”, when these cases arise in court.