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Standards Council of Canada

To "Uber" or not to "uber" ?

Lately, the debate surrounding the topic of regulating the collaborative/shared economy has greatly intensified. From government official and business owners, to academics and regular bar goers,  everyone has an opinion on the question: To regulate collaborative platforms or to not regulate them, in other words: to "uber" or not to 'uber"? 

Though there are many floating ideas, one thing is for certain - this question will not disappear and the answer will not come easy; there isn't a simple, straightforward answer that will satisfy the "one size fits all" seekers. In any case, the article below presents a slightly different perspective and pushes us to look in a different direction. I invite you to read it and share your thought on to "uber" or not to "uber"? Do we need a new regulatory platform? 

https://hbr.org/2016/04/we-dont-need-a-whole-new-regulatory-regime-for-platforms-like-uber-and-airbnb

Comments

Re: To "Uber" or not to "uber" ?

Norma McCormick's picture
Permalink Submitted by Norma McCormick on Wed, 2016/04/06 - 21:07

Uber is competing with the taxi business for the same customers who are choosing the Uber alternative because of cheaper fares and prompt(er) access to service. If choice is a double standard or a level playing we need to think about the eventual outcome. The regulations governing public transportation services were developed to protect consumers and the pubic at large, and help to ensure fair business practices, and employee health and safety. Uber will continue to grow so long as there is no level playing field. If taxi operators are required to hold taxi cab licenses, commercial drivers' licenses, to maintain their vehicles and to calibrate their meters, the expected outcome is that customers are purchasing a service that includes a ride in properly maintained (safe) vehicle, driven by a licensed driver whose drivers' abstract has been checked, and at a controlled cost. If this, or some equivalent regulatory requirement is not placed on everyone who provides public transportation services we will have a double standard and a "buyer beware" situation and consumer protection will be sacrificed. What will come next? In my city our local school division funding is being dramatically reduced because of a shrinking tax base. Educational services will take priority over student transportation services as budget cuts are made. Would we accept Uber school buses?

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