Hundreds of angry taxi drivers have been slowing down traffic on the city's streets and roadways on Wednesday, as part of their ongoing protest against the Quebec government's deal with Uber.
At 10 a.m., cabbies gathered in two places — in Laval and in St. Michel — and began rolling through the streets at speeds of no more than 10 kilometres an hour, heading for Dorchester Square.
The drivers are expected to snarl downtown traffic until the middle of the afternoon.
They say they want to meet with Premier Philippe Couillard over what they are calling a two-tier system that favours the ride-hailing service.
They say the government should buy back their costly taxi permits, which cost them upward of $200,000 if a car is included in the price.
The government's one-year pilot project will allow Uber to legally operate in the province as of Oct. 14.
Under the agreement, Uber drivers won't have to rent or purchase traditional permits, but will collect federal and provincial sales tax and contribute to a fund to help modernize the taxi industry.
-With files from Canadian Press
PHOTO: Rob Lurie (CTV Montreal)