Uber has officially rolled out in Kelowna, Victoria and Chiliwack.
The popular ride sharing service launched today at Kelowna’s City Hall, where Mayor Tom Dyas took the inaugural ride.
Dyas said that allowing Uber to operate on city streets is a step, or a ride, in the right direction to realizing the “Transportation Master Plan vision to reduce private car dependency, the need for parking and increase accessible and safe transportation options.”
“Ultimately, it is positive for our community,” said City Councillor Ron Cannon.
He said that providing alternative modes of transportation, like Uber, is imperative when ensuring people who are impaired after a night out stay off the road.
“Whatever we can do to make our roads safer and provide safe alternatives.”
Cannon said that the city is growing along with the tourism industry so having transportation options for travellers and locals is important for Kelowna’s future.
“As the city grows, especially within the downtown core people sometimes chose not to have their own vehicle, and they need another safe alternative that is affordable and reliable.”
In November 2022, Uber held a recruitment fair in Kelowna that was protested by taxi drivers.
“I do not support Uber here, it is too small of a town. It’s going to kill the whole taxi industry, ” said Zora Mahal, a driver with West Cab.
The protesters said that they do not want the ride-hailing app Uber to come to Kelowna, since it will create competition and reduce the ability for taxi drivers to earn money.
For more information and service maps visit uber.com.
READ MORE: ‘It’s going to kill the whole taxi industry’: Protest at Uber hiring fair in Kelowna
@Rangers_mom
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily newsletter.