Moving Toronto forward
We’ve come a long way since our first trip in Toronto in 2012. Today we’re becoming a zero-emission mobility platform, advocating for positive change for drivers, and working with UFCW Canada, the country’s largest private-sector union.
Some of these efforts have gone unnoticed, which can fuel misunderstandings around Uber’s mission and impact. So we’d like to correct the record and share the facts about how we help support and connect riders, drivers, and communities.
Let’s bust some myths to show how our mission is driving positive change
Uber has 52,000 drivers on the road at once
Drivers earn very little
In November 2023, median earnings were $33.35/hour for engaged time in the City of Toronto. In addition, Uber and UFCW Canada are pressing provincial governments to implement a 120% minimum earning standard. Ontario is enacting a 100% minimum earning standard later this year, which is a step in the right direction.
Uber is anti-union
In 2022, Uber and UFCW Canada announced a landmark agreement that offers representation services and advocacy for all drivers and delivery people. UFCW Canada can provide representation services to drivers and delivery people facing an account issue or deactivation. In addition, Uber and UFCW Canada are jointly pressing for provincial reforms that protect driver flexibility while offering benefits like a minimum earning standard.
Uber pollutes cities
Uber has committed to being a zero-emission platform in Canada by 2030 and globally by 2040. As part of this commitment, Uber is helping to ensure a fair transition for drivers through partnerships with several companies that offer expert help, incentives, and discounts. Currently, drivers on the Uber app in Canada and the US are switching to electric vehicles 7 times faster than the average driver in those 2 countries.
Uber is bad for transit
Uber helps Canadians make more sustainable choices every day. Almost half (49%) of riders using Uber in Canada—and 56% of riders in Toronto—report using Uber to connect to public transportation for their first-mile and last-mile needs.
Uber causes traffic congestion
The City of Toronto’s own analysis found that ridesharing accounted for only 3.3% of total traffic and 8%-14% of traffic in the downtown core. And research shows that ridesharing can reduce the need for private car ownership. According to Public First, 33% of Canadian riders who have a licence but don’t own a car say that having access to rideshare services like Uber was a very or somewhat important factor in deciding against car ownership.
We know we have more work to do, but we’re excited about our journey so far. As we move forward in serving Toronto, we’ll continue our mission to reimagine the way the world moves for the better.
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