Is Uber coming to Saint John with ridesharing?
Common Councillor Greg Norton seems to think so and he would like the City Manager to draft a bylaw with the proper regulations so the city isn’t caught flatfooted.
Uber is in 320 cities and its drivers use their own vehicles. They’re contacted by people needing a ride through their cellphone app. According to Norton’s submission, it takes less than 5 minutes on average to be picked up and he sees positive economic, environmental and social benefits.
Taxi drivers may see it differently. In other cities, they have protested a loss of business, claiming they are at a regulatory disadvantage but Norton argues this competition raises safety, quality and customer service.
