TORONTO — The City of Toronto says it's the first place in Canada to issue a "private transportation companies" licence to ride-hailing app Uber.
The licence, which was issued Tuesday, puts Uber's transportation service UberX into a category that's separate from taxis or limos.
According to the city website, private transportation companies have to connect prospective passengers with drivers of private vehicles through an app.
The change is the result of a new bylaw that city staff say is meant to encourage "increased competition and innovation" in the ground transportation industry.
A city representative says that with the new licence, Toronto will begin to screen and issue "PTC driver licences" to individuals who drive for UberX.
They say the screening includes criminal background checks and driving record checks.
