I live in Okotoks, and on Friday night I couldn't get a car to pick me up (none in the area) so I took a cab into the city.
Can I pay someone extra to come get me??
Uber is in Okotoks, but because the drivers pick where they go there's likely to be few if any cars there unless someone was dropping off or lives there and was just starting. The next time you take an uber in the south, you could ask the driver for their personal cell number and if they would come get you in Okotoks. The number you contact through the app shields the diver and passenger's numbers, so you need their real number.
I am in the opposite situation, I live in Airdrie (also supported by uber), and usually can't find any rides so I have to drive into Calgary. I got lucky Halloween and got a trip from here downtown to BMO just as I was about to leave anyways.
Can you help an idiot out here? How do any of those three things mean anything in relation to anything?
The person I responded to said that fingerprints were not required to pass a vulnerable sector check, but in the case that 2/3 of those thing match, they are required.
I assume his point was that passing a vulnerable sector check was simple and didn't take a lot of effort/time.
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The person I responded to said that fingerprints were not required to pass a vulnerable sector check, but in the case that 2/3 of those thing match, they are required.
I assume his point was that passing a vulnerable sector check was simple and didn't take a lot of effort/time.
So "sex", I get. Obviously.
Initials? What does that mean? If my initials match someone on a violent offender list or something? Seems a bit ham-handed.
Initials? What does that mean? If my initials match someone on a violent offender list or something? Seems a bit ham-handed.
If my name is Bob Randal, my initials are BR. If Billy Riddles is in the database, then it flags as a possible match. I couldn't tell you why for sure, but I have theorized that it might be easier or more common to use an alias that matches the same Initials, but that really is just a guess on my part. Same for the birthday.
Every time I have done a vulnerable sector check (about 7 times now maybe?) I have to go in for fingerprints. The joys of being a foster parent. It is annoying enough that I just flat out refused to do one to volunteer at my kids school when I realized they wouldn't be able to reuse the one I had just got 2 months earlier, especially when you pay for it out of pocket.
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The initials thing is indeed because many aliases use the same initials as the person's real name, due to many criminals being not all that smart. Also it catches nicknames and misspelled name, which is actually quite a large problem in police databases where a person may have several different name spellings entered by different officers or jurisdictions, especially with foreign names that have multiple anglicized versions.
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You mathematical geniuses can figure out my net if you want. I don't think anyone is going to be rich driving Uber, but I'm pretty happy to have made cash instead of draining it sitting at home eating pizza and renting a movie.
Since you're going to pay taxes on your earnings, are you at least keeping a log book of your driving mileage for Uber and recording expenses?
So I understand there is risk being a driver for Uber, but what risk am I, a passenger, taking when I get into an Uber car?
In my mind, I'm accepting the possibility that if something bad happens, be it accident or what not, I might not have any recourse if the driver's insurance denies him and Uber finds a loophole?
So I understand there is risk being a driver for Uber, but what risk am I, a passenger, taking when I get into an Uber car?
In my mind, I'm accepting the possibility that if something bad happens, be it accident or what not, I might not have any recourse if the driver's insurance denies him and Uber finds a loophole?
Pretty much. It's not if the driver's insurance denies him, because they will. But let's say Uber finds a loophole and nothing's covered. Let's now say that you've sustained an injury that requires months of physio, or you to be off work, or both, or you can't go back to working at your same job due to your injury. There's no-one to cover your lost wages or medical costs. You can sue the driver, but that's usually akin to getting blood from a stone, and if you get anything, it'll be much too late.
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Since you're going to pay taxes on your earnings, are you at least keeping a log book of your driving mileage for Uber and recording expenses?
No, I had thought about that though. My plan is just to do it for a few weekends before it got snowy. It doesn't seem to be worth the hassle for the small amount I would earn this year. I'm guessing I will make <$1000 total this year.
Next year if I do it more I will definitely talk to an accountant and figure out the best way to claim any deductions.
Pretty much. It's not if the driver's insurance denies him, because they will. But let's say Uber finds a loophole and nothing's covered. Let's now say that you've sustained an injury that requires months of physio, or you to be off work, or both, or you can't go back to working at your same job due to your injury. There's no-one to cover your lost wages or medical costs. You can sue the driver, but that's usually akin to getting blood from a stone, and if you get anything, it'll be much too late.
I figured as much. I assume it would likely be difficult with the Taxi companies as well, but at least I know they have coverage and there's something there for my lawyers to go after.
So I'm curious, those who are so adamant about Uber and excited to use it, why are you OK with accepting the risk involved as a passenger? Just to be able to stick it to the "Taxi Cartel"?
So I'm curious, those who are so adamant about Uber and excited to use it, why are you OK with accepting the risk involved as a passenger? Just to be able to stick it to the "Taxi Cartel"?
I haven't used Uber yet, but I almost certainly will this holiday season. Why? Because if my experiences the last 10 years or so are anything to go by, I will probably not be able to get a cab late at night when I need one. And by not be able to get a cab I don't mean I'll have to wait half an hour. I mean will not be able to get one, period. Being stranded on the side of the road or at an LRT station at 1 am in -18 weather is an extremely unpleasant, and memorable, experience. And by the fourth time it happens, frustration grows to something closer to fury.
Like a lot of people, I'll welcome an alternative - any alternative - to a system that is completely dysfunctional when I need it. It's as simple as that.
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I figured as much. I assume it would likely be difficult with the Taxi companies as well, but at least I know they have coverage and there's something there for my lawyers to go after.
So I'm curious, those who are so adamant about Uber and excited to use it, why are you OK with accepting the risk involved as a passenger? Just to be able to stick it to the "Taxi Cartel"?
Maybe people just want to get to where they're going. If taxis would do that, there wouldn't be people willing to use Uber.
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So I understand there is risk being a driver for Uber, but what risk am I, a passenger, taking when I get into an Uber car?
In my mind, I'm accepting the possibility that if something bad happens, be it accident or what not, I might not have any recourse if the driver's insurance denies him and Uber finds a loophole?
I don't think it's nearly as clear as the poster who responded to you. Just google "Uber passenger coverage Canada" and read the 20 articles and websites, I think you'll find that it's a bit unknown at the moment.
So yes there is a risk as a passenger, but it's not "there's no coverage" by any means.
Location: Wondering when # became hashtag and not a number sign.
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Further to the "commercial vehicles have stringent standards they must pass".
After some fairly easy investigation today, it is patently clear that such a sentiment is complete and utter bunk.
I talked to a courier who delivered a package to our office and asked her if she has any special insurance or any particular inspections to satisfy for the city. Nope. Not even commercial insurance.
I later talked to a supplier's driver who had been with this company for years and has driven the same truck for the last 5. Was there any special "safety" inspections his truck needed to pass to be on the road? Nope...never. It obviously carried commercial insurance but beyond that the only time he had anything to do with safety issues was when he was pulled over in one of those commercial vehicle check stops they have every couple of months or so for an hour or so on Barlow Tr. Now his company sent him with the vehicle for regular maintenance, but beyond that no stickers or such to be considered "safe" on Calgary streets.
Which again says to me that the opposition to UBER by Nenshi and the city has NOTHING to do with safety on the streets and everything to do with protecting the heavy duty lobbyists (the taxi cartel) that greases the palms of the machine at city hall.
Safety is about the furthest thing that matters to them, its all about getting the dollars. Otherwise those massive delivery trucks and multiple cars who are always delivering packages and a myriad of other vehicles would all be subject to the same safety standards. They aren't.
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Further to the "commercial vehicles have stringent standards they must pass".
After some fairly easy investigation today, it is patently clear that such a sentiment is complete and utter bunk.
I talked to a courier who delivered a package to our office and asked her if she has any special insurance or any particular inspections to satisfy for the city. Nope. Not even commercial insurance.
I later talked to a supplier's driver who had been with this company for years and has driven the same truck for the last 5. Was there any special "safety" inspections his truck needed to pass to be on the road? Nope...never. It obviously carried commercial insurance but beyond that the only time he had anything to do with safety issues was when he was pulled over in one of those commercial vehicle check stops they have every couple of months or so for an hour or so on Barlow Tr. Now his company sent him with the vehicle for regular maintenance, but beyond that no stickers or such to be considered "safe" on Calgary streets.
Which again says to me that the opposition to UBER by Nenshi and the city has NOTHING to do with safety on the streets and everything to do with protecting the heavy duty lobbyists (the taxi cartel) that greases the palms of the machine at city hall.
Safety is about the furthest thing that matters to them, its all about getting the dollars. Otherwise those massive delivery trucks and multiple cars who are always delivering packages and a myriad of other vehicles would all be subject to the same safety standards. They aren't.
To be fair, it's not something unique to Calgary. The taxi license concept is a sham. There are no extra safety regulations for a driver or a car in the vast majority of cities worldwide. Canada has allowed licenses to be sold on the second market, which has resulted in our current problems.
So I'm curious, those who are so adamant about Uber and excited to use it, why are you OK with accepting the risk involved as a passenger? Just to be able to stick it to the "Taxi Cartel"?
Well here's how I decided as a driver woob. There are literally millions of uber rides happening around the world monthly. Hell, Toronto is estimating 500,000 rides monthly alone. I read the forums, checked news articles, etc and am just not seeing this as being a significant problem. I have seen a few articles, but there does not appear to be an epidemic of uber'ers being maimed (financially or physically) for life with no recourse.
I truly believe that Uber has actual liability insurance for drivers (The $5 million they talk always talk of), meaning other cars, property and passengers ARE covered. I would have no issue whatsoever riding in an uber car if I was a passenger. I don't think that I (the driver) am covered for my vehicle or injuries. This is where I think Uber is mostly doing what they said they would do and is just paying out of pocket should your personal insurance not cover it. They have the cash, and the motive to quietly settle these situations.
Again though, this is my best guess only. No one really knows for sure. This is why I would prefer actual coverage.
Location: Wondering when # became hashtag and not a number sign.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blankall
To be fair, it's not something unique to Calgary. The taxi license concept is a sham. There are no extra safety regulations for a driver or a car in the vast majority of cities worldwide. Canada has allowed licenses to be sold on the second market, which has resulted in our current problems.
Oh I agree....the city's opposition though is seemingly wayyy overboard for a service that operates just fine in hundreds of other jurisdictions.
And the ironic part is that this service is one they created by getting in bed with the taxi cartel. To now hide behind the complete nonsense of a "safety blanket" just looks foolish, because it is.
Location: Wondering when # became hashtag and not a number sign.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geordi
Well here's how I decided as a driver woob. There are literally millions of uber rides happening around the world monthly. Hell, Toronto is estimating 500,000 rides monthly alone. I read the forums, checked news articles, etc and am just not seeing this as being a significant problem. I have seen a few articles, but there does not appear to be an epidemic of uber'ers being maimed (financially or physically) for life with no recourse.
I truly believe that Uber has actual liability insurance for drivers (The $5 million they talk always talk of), meaning other cars, property and passengers ARE covered. I would have no issue whatsoever riding in an uber car if I was a passenger. I don't think (the driver) am covered for my vehicle or injuries. This is where I think Uber is mostly doing what they said they would do and is just paying out of pocket should your personal insurance not cover it. They have the cash, and the motive to quietly settle these situations.
Again though, this is my best guess only. No one really knows for sure. This is why I would prefer actual coverage.
And to me this is the crux of the whole discussion.
Some how we here in Calgary are far too sophisticated to allow such a "dangerous" service to operate without harassment, while the rest of the world gets along just fine with UBER in their midst.
It's a joke when you think about it with common sense.
Thanks for your input by the way, its been informative to say the least.
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Some how we here in Calgary are far too sophisticated to allow such a "dangerous" service to operate without harassment, while the rest of the world gets along just fine with UBER in their midst.
Calgary is far from the only city who has protested Uber moving in, in fact I'm pretty sure they have to force their way in to almost every city. Some cities have worked with Uber, some have kicked them out, some have tolerated them, but Calgary is far from a special snowflake in this battle.
The Uber concept is awesome, the company itself maybe a little more questionable. But then again if you want to affect change sometimes you gotta be a bit of a dick about changing the status quo.
