Taxis, Uride align on need for security cameras
Earlier this week, the Central Taxi Association (CTA) called for a province-wide driver registry and mandatory in-vehicle cameras for all ride-hailing services (i.e. taxis, Uride, Uber, Lyft, etc).
“The recent explosion in the number of Vehicles for Hire (VFH) means municipalities are struggling or simply incapable of managing the system,” said CTA president Marc André Way. “Now is the time for Ontario to introduce a centralized information management system and a single transferrable license for drivers who are transporting passengers for money.”
Taxi and ridesharing companies may not always align, but Uride CEO Cody Ruberto says he’s in complete agreement with Way on the need for universal security cameras.
“I think it’s the right thing to do,” Ruberto said. “It’s something that helps protect riders and it also helps protect drivers. And when there’s a camera in the car, the odds of dangerous scenarios happening drop.”
Ruberto said Uride already encourages newly onboarded drivers to install a security camera for safety purposes.
The push follows an incident last year when police had difficulty contacting an Uber driver who unknowingly drove off with a child, raising concerns about passenger safety.
“Technologies already exist which can be used to ensure travelers’ safety and consumer protection. It is incumbent upon government and the ground transportation industry to work together and create a plan to do this,” said Way.
The CTA also suggested Vehicles for Hire picking up passengers along the new Northlander train route be provided with specific clear and highly visible “MTO pilot” magnet or sticker signage with QR code; that signage be posted in the stations; and that a customer feedback phone number or email address be provided to give passengers an easy opportunity to submit complaints or compliments on service levels.
