No other World Cup city restricting PTCs, Brockman claims

New comers facing “language, culture, educational barriers” need Uber’s low entry requirements

Transcript of Jake Brockman’s remarks:

“Thank you, Madam Mayor and Executive Committee members.

My name is Jake Brockman, and I am pleased to work in Uber Canada’s Toronto office in the great riding of University Rosedale, and it’s particularly good to be here in front of you as the holiday season swings into full gear across our great city, from the distillery winter village to the Weston village BIA winter fest.

Torontonians are getting out and enjoying the season, and with that often comes indulging in an alcoholic beverage or two, and that’s why we are so pleased to partner with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, to encourage people to make the right decision and not drive impaired.

And fast forward to 2026, Madam Mayor, our city will be as vibrant as ever with both the initial tip off of the Toronto tempo WNBA team and the FIFA 2026 World Cup right next door at BMO field. And the reality will be that Toronto will be the only 2026 World Cup host city to have limited the supply of ride share on the road.

Couple that with the 240 cranes up right now in the city, and the fact that 80 per cent of new units in the city are being built without parking spaces, the city will be booming like never before, but without adequate transportation. Madam Mayor, no other city in North America has moved forward with a policy like the one that’s in front of you today, and the staff report actually gives a good indication why.

First, a cap is not supported by the majority of Torontonians. According to the city’s own polling in the report, 65 per cent of Torontonians either do not support a limit or do not have an opinion, and the top concerns that they expressed to the city were increased prices, increased wait times and too few drivers to provide transportation services.

Second, Madam Mayor, a cap makes it harder to get around the city, particularly in Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough. And the staff report makes this clear, restricting the number of licensed drivers could lead to existing drivers focusing on serving trips closer to the city’s downtown core, where demand is highest and third a cap makes it harder for newcomers to Toronto to access earning opportunities.

The staff report indicates that for those who are newcomers and facing additional language, culture, educational barriers, the low entry requirements, immediate availability of work and flexible hours in the vehicle for hire industry make it a potential way to earn an income.

And finally, Madam Mayor, the cap will create a major regional transportation issue, a PTC driver supply cap will increase deadheading by non PTC licensed drivers who pick up riders in the GTA and drop them off in the city proper. Transportation is increasingly regional, with more than 40 per cent of trips on the Uber platform starting and ending in different municipalities.

For these reasons, we encourage executive committee to reject recommendations one and two in front of you today. Thank you for your time. Look forward to taking your questions.”