Uber-commissioned study says most Calgarians want ridesharing

A poll commissioned by Uber has found the majority of Calgarians want to see ridesharing operating in their city – they also want politicians to keep amending the law to allow it.

The study was carried out by research firm Leger, who conducted an online survey of 501 adults between March 28 and April 2.

According to their findings, 86% of Calgarians think ridesharing can help bring affordable and reliable transportation options to the city. Meanwhile, 82% believe ridesharing could help create needed earning opportunities in tough economic times in Alberta.

Earlier this year, the City of Calgary drew heavy criticism from Uber, who pulled out of the area when council passed revisions to its vehicle-for-hire bylaw.

The revisions meant “private for hire” drivers like those working for Uber would have to pay a $220 annual fee, and meet stringent background checks and vehicle inspections.

The new bylaw came into force on April 4.

However, just a few days before, the Uber-commissioned survey found 65% of Calgarians thought rules like the annual fees should be removed.

Even more than that, the poll found, 80% think the city should work on new amendments to the bylaw to bring alternative transportation options like ridesharing back to Calgary.