Uber is ‘progressive and legitimate’, AG

Speaking with the media after the grand opening ceremony of newest MovieTowne cineplex in the C3 Centre in Corinth on Monday evening, Attorney General Faris Al Rawi spoke to the concerns raised by the Ministry of Transport and members of the public about the legality of Uber, and other similar local services. “In fact, we were dealing with amendments to the motor vehicle legislation today (Monday) at the legislative review committee and certainly we look to the point.

On the one hand there is (at Uber) quite a very interesting, progressive step of the registration exercise, of the vetting, of the security, which is a step beyond Trinidad and Tobago’s PH driving system, but on the other hand there is a collision with the existing laws in Trinidad and Tobago where cars for hire have to be registered for hire. It is certainly worth having a look at in terms of where the balancing act should result in legislative consultation.” Al Rawi continued, “There are progressive and legitimate aims in services like Uber and that will require a legislative amendment and treatment.” Another “collision” with the law to be considered by the committee is that vehicles, under the current law, must be insured for their intended use, said Al Rawi.

Al Rawi said that former governments, including the last, have attempted to legislate the “PH” system upon which the economy has prospered for a long time. “They did not result in any certainty because it is not an easy fit,” said Al Rawi.

“Uber is something that can perhaps survive a different kind of inspection because of the type of organisation it involves. It is a centralised, organised structure but it certainly will require some legislative framework.” Some citizens, excited by the entry of the international brand into a country with less than spectacular public transportation services, have however raised concerns over the assurance of security when using Uber in a crime-ridden Trinidad and Tobago. Al Rawi said, “There is nothing other than decency to protect people as a first round of protection,” but that security remains the responsibility of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).