Unconventional Panel gets in Uber debate over ride-hailing service

Calgary city council will vote aboutchanging the rules surrounding limousine fees on Monday.

The proposed changes would make it cheaper and easier to book a black towncar,and could pave the way for Uber's limo service, Uber Black, to enter the market.

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It's also rekindling the debate over whether the unregulated ride-hailing serviceeven has a place in Calgary.

"I'm not really comfortable with the idea. I kind of think it's just like a millimetreor two away from hitchhiking and my mom always told me not to hitchhike," said Calgary Herald columnistJennifer Alfordone of this week's Unconventional Panelist.

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"It's kind of like tinder for transportation," says Moorthy.

Uber drivers will pick up anyone who has submitted a trip request through the Uber app on their smartphone. Users hire and pay for their ride through the app, and not with the driver personally.

"There's no money exchanged and that, to me, is just such an added benefit. So I'm not debating with a cab driver about whether I can use credit or debit," said Mike Morrison.

• Listen to the Calgary Eyeopener'sUnconventional Panel'sUber debate

Alfordthinks Uber will come to Calgary eventually and when it does, the market will determine if it's going ot work.

"My understanding of the Uber model is if it's a reallycrappy, rainy horrible day the prices are all going to go up," she said.

But Morrison still thinks that's better than the latter.

"At least I'm in a vehicle instead ofstanding in a line outside of a hotel in the pouring rain waiting for a cab."