Uber says it wants to start operating in Victoria and Kelowna this year, pending Passenger Transporation Board approval.
Uber has submitted an application to the Passenger Transportation Board that would allow it to operate in all regions of the province, with the intent to launch in Kelowna and Victoria this year. The PTB process is expected to take three months.
Uber is already operating in the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas.
“Ridesharing provides another option for people to get around Victoria, and is a great fit for our reputation as a tech city,” Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said in a statement.
According to the company, there has been a significant interest in ridesharing services in Victoria and Kelowna, with approximately 100,000 people opening the Uber app over the last year.
The company also said ridesharing will offer “flexible earning opportunities” for whose jobs have been affected by COVID-19.
“With the launch of Uber, ideally in time for the holiday season, we look forward to more safe, reliable, and affordable rides for Victoria and Kelowna residents,” Michael van Hemmen, Uber’s Head of City Operations in Canada, said in a statement.
While the PTB reviews the applicable, Uber will be asking drivers who meet the following criteria to register on the app:
- The legal ability to work in Canada
- A Class 1, 2, or 4 licence
- Criminal record check and fewer than 4 infractions on your driving record in the last three years
- A vehicle less than 10 years old that passes a provincial inspection
People interested in becoming drivers on the Uber app can visit drive.uber.com.
Uber has also extended its “No Mask. No Ride” policy indefinitely – meaning that drivers and riders must wear a mask or face covering. Drivers are required to take a selfie to verify they are wearing a mask.
And starting in September, riders who have been reported as not wearing a mask will also be required to take a selfie in order to book future rides.
CHEK News
