Uber may not be coming to Winnipeg because of Manitoba Public Insurance.

 Ridesharing companies have been peaking in markets across North America. One very popular ridesharing app named Uber, however, has suggested they will not be doing business in the city of Winnipeg. In a submission to the Public Utilities Board, Uber claimed that Manitoba Public Insurance wants drivers to be insured based on hours worked instead of a blanket policy which would allow drivers more flexibility.

"MPI is proposing a rideshare insurance product that would function as an 'add-on' to drivers' personal basic coverage. Drivers would purchase add on ridesharing coverage in time bands, depending on which times of the day a driver wants to drive in."

Uber suggests that this structure differs in several important ways from the type of insurance that has been effective in other areas of North America. based on this fact, they stated they would be ''unable to consider expansion of services to Winnipeg on March 1, 2018."

Due to these concerns, and the concerns of the general public, Manitoba Public Insurance submitted a public statement for CHVN's use. It states "the proposed insurance rates for private vehicle for-hire operators is consistet with other jurisdictions. Future rate changes will be based on actual claims experience in Manitoba."

They declare the proposed insurance model ensures that" vehicle for-hire operators are insured in a separate insurance class that will prevent cross subsidization of loss experience with other major vehicle classes." And under this insurance model, there is flexibility for vehicle for hire operators to select specific time bands in which they intend to provide for-hire services.

"This allows potential operators to reduce the additional premium they would have to pay even further."

In order to address concerns of what they coined as 'Transporation Network Companies" over administrative work in ensuring Manitoba operators are correctly insured, MPI says they're prepared "to provide a commercial blanket policy that provides contingent and excess coverage in the event one of their operators is driving on their platform without proper vehicle insurance." Manitoba Public Insurance says this should address concerns over financial and reputational liability for Transportation Network Companies that may choose to operate after March 1.

As of November of last year, the province of Manitoba passed ridesharing legislation. City Hall came out with its planned regulations the following month. Ridesharing will cost the city 1.3 million dollars to regulate all vehicles for hire, but the city expects to recover this money from taxi licensing and fees from both cabs and ridesharing companies.

What do you think of this statement? Will not being able to use Uber affect your daily routine? Let us know your side to the story by calling us at 1-866-951-2486 or emailing us at dj@chvnradio.com .