A More Level Playing Ground Promised for Cabbies, Uber Drivers

Getting around town may be a little less costly in the future. The City of Barrie is taking a crack at deregulating taxi cab fares and including Uber in the paperwork. Part of the plan, says Mayor Jeff Lehman, is to allow all of them set their own fares…

Under the plan, licensing fees would be adjusted – higher for the cab companies, but lower for the drivers and their vehicles. All concerned would be subject to some minimum standards. Among them, drivers having a valid provincial licence, a good driving record and adequate insurance. Vehicles would have to be in good repair. The two-year pilot project will come into effect July 1, if it gets final approval at next week’s council meeting.