Toronto City Council has voted to amend a motion put in place to help the city reach net-zero emission by 2030, by freezing the admittance of ride-share driver licences.
Councillors agreed on Wednesday to cap the number of ride-sharing cars at its current number, with the exception of low emission vehicles, for at least a year.
City staff have been asked to report their findings on the amendment with “a comprehensive framework, including emissions, congestion and transit impacts, by no later than the fourth quarter of 2024,” and to allow time for consultation with the vehicle-to-hire industry.
According to reports by CP24, Uber issued a statement Wednesday stating that the motion will “ultimately hurt the diverse group of Torontonians who rely on rideshare as part of their transportation mix and those who drive rideshare for additional income, especially in a time of rising costs.”
Mayor Olivia Chow said the move is “appropriate” in an effort to lower emissions.
“Mayor Chow @oliviachow on Uber/Lift licensing pause: “there’s really no loss of licences. It’s the same number. It’s just no increase, which I think is appropriate.” As gas-fueled cars still predominate, this means both decreased and avoided emissions,” according to a tweet from RideFairTO, an advocacy group composed of taxi drivers and other ride-hire services.
Uber has said it is reviewing its options for legal action, but that it does support the city’s transition to a zero-emissions platform by 2030, CP24 reports.
