The local taxi industry is doing what it can to prepare to compete with ride-sharing services once they become available in the metro region.
But at least one local operator is not happy with how the situation is unfolding.
One of the biggest players in the ride-sharing industry, Uber, received government approval this week and is set to begin operations before the start of the tourism season.
Chris Hollett of Jiffy Cabs says he’s seen success with their new app service to book cabs, but he has serious concerns when it comes to regulating rates.
He says Jiffy’s rates are competitive, but he notes requests for increases have to be approved by the City of St. John’s.
Hollett says that’s where ride-sharing has an unfair advantage.
“Ride shares, they pick and choose how much they want to charge,” he says. “They’re going to come in here, they’re going to spend millions, they’re going to try to take my market share, and they’re going to try to put me out (of business). And the provincial government looks at me and says that that is good for my business.
“Well, I beg to differ.”