The City of Toronto’s legal bid for a quick shut-down of the ride-share app Uber faces a frustrating six-month delay.
After filing an injunction to stop all local operations of the company last week and asking for "expedient" treatment, the city learned on Wednesday, Nov. 26 its case won’t be heard until May 19.
The city claims the U.S.-based company is operating a limousine and taxi services illegally in Toronto, and is "jeopardizing public safety" with its new UberX service, which uses drivers unlicensed for taxicabs and vehicles not inspected by the city.
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In a statement, Municipal Licensing and Standards Division’s executive director Tracey Cook, who submitted the paperwork, took the news in stride.
"Uber requires time to submit affidavits in response to the city’s application record, to which the city may then respond with additional information. Time is also required for the parties to conduct cross examinations, and exchange written legal arguments in preparation for the hearing itself," she said.
In the meantime, Cook added, "City staff will continue to work on this matter in preparation for the hearing date to ensure that a complete record is before the court on the issues."
The city will return to court next Wednesday, however, to separately pursue 36 bylaw charges – alleging Uber is illegally running a limousine or taxi brokerage in Toronto – dating back to 2012, hoping to set a trial date.
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Mayor-elect John Tory, who takes office next week, has said Uber and similar technologies are "here to stay" and the city is better off talking with such companies about safety concerns, rather than trying to prosecute them in court.
Uber’s representatives in Toronto welcomed this stance, with General Manager Ian Black pledging the company would abide by changes in limousine, taxicab and ride-sharing regulations, made at the city or provincial level, which cover Uber operations.
On Wednesday, Xavier Van Chau, a spokesperson, said Uber is "perplexed by efforts to pursue legal action when Torontonians – including the mayor-elect – have shown their support for ridesharing. Uber is keen to work with the city to develop sensible regulations that ensure public safety," he added in a statement.
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