Taxi drivers support anti-Uber bill, with conditions

Taxi drivers are urging the Quebec government to quickly adopt a bill that would effectively push Uber out of the province.

But they're asking for one little change to Bill 100: drop a clause that would adjust fares to demand, much like Uberdoes with its surge pricing.

TheRegroupement des travailleurs autonomes Mtallos, which represents 4,000 taxi and truck drivers, met on Sunday to make a final statement on their long-running dispute with the ride-railing app.

The group says that modulating fares in peak periods goes against consumer interests.

Last week the provincial government tabled a bill that would force Uber drivers to get a taxi permit.Anyone offering taxi transportation services without one would face fines of$2,500 to $25,000.Uber itself could befined up to $50,000.

The San Francisco-based firm said that if Quebec legislation is too onerous, it would cease operations here.

Among theother key points in the legislation:

• The province would havethe power to determine thetotal number of taxi permits for specific areas, including Montreal.
• Fare pricing wouldbe set by theCommission des transports duQubecand wouldvary depending on the area or whether an app is used to hail the taxi or Uber.
• Newpowers to the provincewouldpunish those who don't comply with the act, including the possibility of suspendingthe driver's licence.
• Drivers across the industry wouldbe required to accept electronic payment.