VancUber

» How do ridesharing companies fare for Vancouver?

Jessica Berget
Editor-in-Chief

[Tn question of whether Uber, Lyft, or any other
ridesharing companies will come to Vancouver has
been looming over everyone’s heads over the past few
years. Uber in particular is a popular transportation
method for many major cities—except of course,
Vancouver.

But perhaps, not for much longer.

The answer to this question was finally answered
as it was announced by Daily Hive that the Passenger
Transportation Board will be accepting ridesharing
service applications beginning September 3. Both Lyft
and Uber sent in their application on the exact same
day. With a six to eight week evaluation process, Uber’s
Head of Western Canada, Michael Van Hemmen said
he is “optimistic that Uber will be here for the busy
holiday season,” in an interview with Global News.
Haters of public transportation and Vancouver’s current
cab services, now might be your time to rejoice.

The people of British Columbia have been constantly
teased by the BC

  

government with

the potential

of having a

ridesharing While may are
company they excited about the
can depend on prospect about
for safe and easy ride-hailing in
transportation Vancouver, others
and that doesn’t are hesitant.
break the bank—

for a price.

Or shall I say, Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Sea-to-Sky Corridor .
for a $3.35 starting Meaning, if you live outside of this area, you may not get
fare. the services.

The City of Vancouver has agreed to allow ridesharing This is due to perhaps the most troublesome
to operate in the city under a few conditions. First of regulation to potential ridesharing employees—the
all, it will only operate in the Metro Vancouver area. licensing needed to operate as a driver in Vancouver.
According to a Global News article, an Uber press release According to Daily Hive, in an email to Uber Eats drivers,
said it “remains interested in service across BC, but the Uber advised employees to get “road-ready” and to

‘proposed regulations are not conductive to operations in obtain their Class 4 licence. BC Transportation Minister
smaller municipalities.” So far, Uber and Lyft are hoping Claire Trevana said safety is the main reason for this.

to start their ridesharing services in Region 10f the Aaron Zifkin, managing director for Lyft Canada, said
Transportation Network Service which includes Metro otherwise.