‘Set us free’: Regina cabs can’t compete with ride-share apps

Cab companies in Regina that want to have apps just like Uber or Lyft say their hands are tied.

Some have released their own version of apps or websites for online booking, but lack features that draw people to ride-sharing.

For ride-sharing, the trip length is measured by GPS through the app and shows the total cost of the trip before pickup. It charges your credit card through the app once you reach your destination. Since the service is entirely app-based, there is no need for a meter, like those used in taxis.

Regina Cabs manager Sandy Archibald explained that’s where taxis are at a disadvantage. She said the taxi bylaw prevents them from offering apps like Uber or Lyft, because they’re bound to the meter.

“We’re so highly regulated, either bring ride-share up to that level or lessen it on the taxis,” Archibald said.

While she explained taxi regulations are good for a lot of safety features, they also tie their hands on what they can and can’t do in terms of having a more robust app.

Regina Cabs doesn’t have an app, but allows customers to book a cab online. It wants to have the same abilities as ride-sharing, so both services can compete on a level playing field.

“They need to loosen up the regulations on the taxi bylaw and sort of set us free so we can compete,” she said.

As ride-sharing prepares to enter the Regina market, Archibald explained the city shouldn’t put taxis in the rear-view mirror.

“They’re looking more at the ride-share rather than looking internally at themselves and the taxi bylaw and how they regulate us and to try to lighten up the regulations on us so we can offer more options to the public.”

Archibald argues the city needs to update both bylaws at the same time.