<p>TORONTO – Uber is voicing its thanks after Toronto city council gave the ride-hailing service the green light to operate legally in the city.</p>
<p>In a message to those who use its app, Uber said Toronto Mayor John Tory and city council have voted to “embrace ride sharing.”</p>
<p>After hours of debate on Tuesday, city councillors voted 27-15 in favour of new rules for taxis and UberX, which allows regular drivers to pick up passengers without a taxi license.</p>
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<p>The rules require UberX and taxi drivers to get $2 million in liability insurance.</p>
<p>The base fare for Uber will increase by 75 cents to $3.25 and all vehicles must be inspected twice a year.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, taxis will be able to use surge-pricing — similar to the way Uber adds extra fees to its rides at certain times — but only for fares booked through an online app.</p>
<p>Relations between Toronto taxi drivers and Uber have been tense for months, sparking a number of protests in the city.</p>
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