Uber’s current hold over the Toronto ride-sharing industry could become a thing of the past: you may soon have another option for a “lyft” at your fingertips.
Apparently, American company Lyft has been eyeing Toronto, as The Star reports. The ride-share app is hugely popular south of the border, especially its Lyft Line carpooling service.
As we’re well aware, Toronto’s Licensing and Standards Committee is currently in talks regarding the proposed vehicle-for-hire bylaw. The bylaw would regulate how both traditional taxis and Private Transportation Companies (PTCs) such as Uber operate in our city. The city staff has recommended a different set of rules for taxis and PTCs, and Mayor John Tory has promised “to level the playing field” in the wake of Uber’s disruption of the highly regulated taxi industry.
Yesterday’s first public debate on new regulations for taxis and ride share apps saw a lengthy, heated meeting, one that continues into a second day today.
According to The Star, Lyft submitted a letter to the committee to comment on these new regulations.
“While we have no immediate plans to launch in Toronto,” writes Mike Masserman, Lyft’s senior director of federal and international government relations, “we see tremendous opportunity for ride-sharing in your city, and look forward to collaborating with City Councillors and policy makers on a smart set of regulations that would allow Lyft and the ride-sharing industry to thrive in Toronto.”
According to the Star, of the 101 people scheduled to speak at today’s meeting, none include representatives from Uber Canada or Lyft.