No Uber in Calgary? Boo hoo

The notion of Uber finally entering into the market in Calgary was an exciting new opportunity for consumers to have an alternative to the archaic and dysfunctional taxi system. The only problem since the service tried rolling out with no rules (And nobody wanted that) was the lack of policy behind the innovation. That shift came as Council changed the livery rules and opened the door to Uber and Lyft related services. http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Livery-Transport-Services/Thinking-about-driving-for-Uber.aspx Uber's response? Not good enough and they won't be rolling out in Calgary till they get their way https://newsroom.uber.com/canada/en/response-to-calgary-city-councils-proposed-ridesharing-bylaw/ Like a spoiled brat on the playground, they are taking their toys home until they get their way. The rules in place are for consumer protection, and they are not onerous by any means. Uber as try the same tactic in other cities and held out until he got there way. This Is not a way to do business and although it took time for the City to get on board and break the taxi monopoly, it has happened so take it or leave it. The new rules are merely consumer protection and don't seem unreasonable.

Via Rail from YYC to Banff?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/train-passenger-banff-calgary-1.3445936 There is a rumor swirling around that VIA rail Will reintroduce their train service between Calgary and Banff. Unlike relatively populated Europe, there is very little training service in Canada. VIA used to have a passenger train station in Calgary but that hasn't been around for ages. The idea would be to open up passenger rail service between two cities and hopefully open up park usage to those without cars. WIll it work or will our car happy city ignore the new service? It will certainly be an option for tourists to take a quick get away to the mountains. As those without a vehicle increase, one can see the possibility that a rail service would makes sense, but there needs to be a critical mass of customers.