Nearly eight months after Uber rolled into London, the debate over its future here rolls into city hall next week.
A report by the city's bylaw manager on ride-for-hire services goes to the Community and Protective Services committee Wednesday. In it, councillors are presented with five options to give to Londoners during public consultations this spring.
The first option would ban Uber and other ride-sharing companies from operating in the city. Options two and three would class ride-sharing companies the same as traditional taxis or limos and subject them to the same regulations as as those industries. The fourth option would see a new category created for them that would be regulated by the city. The fifth option would also create a new category but would leave it to ride-sharing companies to regulate safety and report back to the city.
A public participation process is proposed for April, May, and June and will include community meetings, surveys, and online consultation.
London Taxi Association spokesman Roger Caranci says his association will be a visible presence at all public forums.
"You can bet your bottom dollar on that one. We're vocal, we're fair. The way we have addressed things has been very responsible, people in town have taken notice that we have not done some of the tactics that have been used in other centres," says Caranci. "We've been very respectful of the laws, we've been very respectful of the city, and we will make sure to continue that but we want to make sure that our thoughts and concerns are heard."
Members of the heavily regulated cab industry have fought against ride-sharing companies like Uber from the beginning. They argue Uber has an unfair advantage as it isn't subjected to the same vehicle safety requirements or fare caps that taxis are.
Caranci says watching a company like Uber break the law for months has been discouraging for cab drivers throughout the city.
"Having a company that continuously, every day, every hour, every minute breaks the rules that are in place, it's difficult for us to think that something different might be done."
However, Caranci remains hopeful that the city will be able to hammer out a fair deal for both industries.
"We have faith in the city, we have faith in the council and we hope that they will make the right decision that benefits all Londoners and our industry."
Since Uber arrived in the city last July, 36 charges have been laid against 22 drivers with additional charges pending. The city increase fines for operating unlicensed vehicles for hire from $400 to $1000 in October 2015.