Uber's ride sharing service becomes officially legal in Ottawa on Friday with full access to the airport.
Ottawa’s largest taxi company is trying to come up with a strategy to compete; many drivers aren't convinced it will work. As of Friday, the city's new bylaw takes affect that will regulate ride-sharing companies.
For the Ottawa airport, it's a chance for them to the respond to the growing demand, they say, for companies like Uber.
It's Sharif Zoubi's first day on the job as an Uber driver. While not officially legal for a few days yet, he is already anxious to get going.
“I’m sure a lot of people working with Uber are happy about this,” Zoubi says, as he drops off a fare at the airport, “It's a great opportunity for them obviously. Uber is changing up the game.”
That's not how Surinder Bajwa would describe it. He has been driving a cab for forty years and has seen his business in the last couple of years dry up.
“Everything is horrible,” he says, “what the mayor did, absolutely no good.”
Add to that, they say, their guaranteed fares at the Ottawa airport are now gone. The airport says, once Uber secures a license and becomes legal, drivers will be allowed to drop off abd pick up. It will be the first airport in Canada to allow that.
“It’s all about choice for our customers,” says Krista Kealey, the vice president of communications and public affairs for the Ottawa Airport Authority.
There will be designated spots at the airport for riding sharing services. They will also have to pay pick-up fees.
“We negotiated a contract that is similar to the concession agreements with other providers,” says Kealey, “both inside and outside terminals.”
Some passengers are clearly embracing the idea.
“I think it's fabulous. I love Uber,” says Delia Keating, “I'm in Kanata and I take it everywhere and take it to the airport, that's fantastic.”
“I think it's just part of the way the economy is going now,” says airport passenger Chris Biegler, “Everyone has a chance to do what they need to do, whether it's cabs or Uber drivers. People are finding niche markets.”
For others, it will still be a question of convenience.
“I would probably continue to take a taxi to and from the airport,” says Peter Allor, “but my decision is based on availability so if a taxi is there, I will take it; if not, I will take Uber.”
