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The leader of the union representing Saskatoon cab drivers says they are feeling the effects of ride sharing “big time,” particularly on nights and weekends.

Malik Umar Draz, president of United Steelworkers Local 2014, which represents more than 400 city cabbies, said in an interview that the new competition is definitely hurting the taxi industry.

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Saskatoon city council approved ride sharing regulations in December and ride-sharing giant Uber started operating in February.

“I see the big difference, especially for the night drivers and on the weekend,” Draz said. “Big time, big time.”

Draz said he did not have statistics to show the change.

City hall recognizes four companies offering ride-sharing services in Saskatoon: Uber, RideX, Riide-hail and Rel8Well Travel Inc. City staff are studying the changes prompted by ride sharing.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance spokesman Tyler McMurchy said as of Monday there were 478 active ride-share drivers in Saskatoon and another 22 in nearby communities.