Edmonton requires ride-for-hire services complete mandatory training program

Current and future Uber, taxi, or Lyft drivers in Edmonton will need to prepare for mandatory training. The City of Edmonton believes this will increase safety and accessibility, but some drivers believe, it’s too much.

Said Karaman has been an Uber driver for seven years. He likes it for the flexibility in shifts, but to get that benefit, he will soon have to complete the new mandatory training program.

“I just got sent an email from Uber and just found out about it, and they want to safety, Uber already sent us lots of safety videos during the years,” Karaman explained.

The City of Edmonton claims the more intensive training is aimed at improving safety and accessibility for passengers.

“Provides them sort of consistent expectation. It also provides them with information for themselves for their own safety,” Jo-Anne Wright, the Councillor or Ward Sspomitapi explained.

Spokespeople for Uber told CityNews the company is concerned about the tougher training standards. In part because the company claims the City’s training plan is ineffective, claiming the video drivers need to watch is long and outdated, as well as being repetitive. Uber says it already provides driver training.

“All the drivers need to finish this 8-hour training before April 1st and it’s a real concern that there’s a chance that not all drivers will be able to, and they may risk losing access to driving,” Keerthana Rang, Spokesperson for Uber.

For Uber drivers just trying to make a buck, they say extra training will make it harder to earn a living.

“They should make it easier for us and not make it hard for us. We just try to be safe for us, for the riders, and for everyone else,” said Karaman.