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There’s a difference between ride-sharing as a concept and the brands that are typically identified with the industry, says one city councillor who is concerned about Regina’s approach to the new venture.

“We can have ride-sharing, but it doesn’t have to be Uber,” said Ward 3 Coun. Andrew Stevens. “We can have different models … and business practices that I think are more to the advantage of drivers and the community.”

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Stevens pointed to Austin, Tx., where he says there was an attempt to bring in a not-for-profit, community-based platform that would be more fair and equitable for the ride-share drivers and the taxi industry.

He said companies like Uber and Lyft were resistant because they didn’t want to work under the regulations that model would impose.

“There was a backlash and the ride-sharing industry … intervened and were actually trying to summon support and … unseat councillors and a mayor that was trying to do something for her constituents,” said Stevens.