Uber now licensed to operate in Calgary

It happened without much pomp and circumstance, but Uber is one step closer to being allowed to operate in Calgary

The ride share giant has been granted a transportation network company license to operate under the current bylaw, but it’s really just an administrative requirement.

There are still some tweaks being made to the bylaw and until they happen, Uber says it won’t be picking up people in Calgary.

Still, Councillor Evan Woolley says this was a necessary first step.

“They are still adamant that within the current bylaws that council approved there in the spring, or in June, that they won’t work but this is a step they’d need to take,” he explained.

He says the real challenge will be some of the issues with drivers.

“There need to be as few barriers as possible in order for the drivers to enter the system, that’s how the model works, that said we need to be conscious that we want to provide a framework that keeps Calgarians safe,” added Woolley. “I remain very, very hopeful that before the end of the year we can reach an agreement and potentially see some bylaw amendments come back to council.”

According to the city, drivers aren’t yet licensed to drive for Uber, and even once that’s happened they’d still have to apply to get the court injunction against them lifted.

Uber Canada spokesperson Jean-Christophe de Le Rue sent 660 NEWS this statement,

“While we remain in discussion with the City of Calgary, at this point, it remains unclear if the necessary amendments that would allow ride sharing to operate in Calgary will be brought to City Council.”