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Toronto issues ‘private transportation company’ licence to UberX

Aug 17, 2016 | 2:15 AM

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.