Uber Returns to Edmonton

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The meteoric rise in fame for ride-sharing service Uber has not been without its speed bumps. Lawsuits, new legislation and questions over insurance regulations have kept the company at the top of media headlines. Such was the case this past February, when the city of Edmonton introduced a new bylaw that required drivers to carry special insurance when operating a vehicle for ride-share purposes.

The problem? The insurance type required wouldn’t be made available to drivers until July 1. Although Uber officials appealed to Edmonton officials to postpone the bylaws, the city refused.

Now as July 1 approaches, Uber has announced the return of its ridesharing services in Edmonton.

"Starting at midnight tonight, Uber is pleased to be back in Alberta's capital offering a safe, reliable and affordable transportation alternative to Edmontonians,” said Ramit Kar, Uber's General Manager for Alberta. “We want to applaud Mayor Iveson and city council for their leadership in embracing innovation and more transportation options.”

In his statement, Kar simultaneously commended the provincial government, while also rebuking them for their hard-line stance on ride-share insurance.

“We commend the province for approving an insurance product that allows Uber to operate in Alberta — that said, licensing requirements create unnecessary barriers for the vast majority of Albertans looking to use technology to share their rides and earn income. The transportations services we are now able to provide in Alberta do not offer all the benefits true ridesharing can bring cities. The adopted licensing regime will mean less flexible earning opportunities, less urban mobility. As we go forward, Uber will continue to make the case for smart regulatory advancements that fully embrace the innovation available in today's transportation space."

Uber Canada first began its ride-share service in 2009 and today it is available in more than 40 locations throughout the Country. More than 20,000 Canadians drive for Uber. 

For more information, visit www.uber.com.

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