While the TTA supports the aim of the demonstration, which is to encourage the City of Toronto to enforce the law with Uber’s illegal operations, it does not support any tactic which will disrupt traffic or transportation for Toronto drivers and residents.
Advertisement
Following a few unsuccessful Uber protests in the past, Sajid Mughal, president of the iTaxiWorkers Association, said although there have been “small demonstrations here and there, now is the time we should be loud and clear”.
“Our list is very short and very clear: that we want fairness”.
Yesterday, Mayor John Tory urged the group to call off the protest, saying the message was received and officials were working as fast as they can to get regulations in place, however, the collective group says it’s not good enough.
The man, who identified himself to CBC News as a Toronto taxi driver with 22 years of experience, confronted the driver of a white Honda Civic on Bay Street near Queen Street West, not far from city hall. He said the drivers plan to continue their protest until sunset, or 7 p.m. He said city councillors including Janet Davis will be meeting with him and other drivers around 12:30 p.m.to discuss the protest.
But that’s not what drivers want, says Mughal.
“The city staff should take as much time as they need to draft a proper bylaw which will provide a level playing field”.
Advertisement
Mughal estimates thousands of drivers will participate from providers across the industry and across the region.
