Uber expanding to Kelowna, Victoria

More than three years after breaking into the Vancouver market, Uber is expanding to other B.C. cities.

The ridehailing service says it will soon be operating in Victoria and Kelowna, after the Passenger Transportation Board approved a licence transfer from ReRyde Technologies.

It’s unclear when exactly Uber will be available in those cities, but the company says more details will be released in the coming days.

“Tens of thousands of local residents have signed up to ride,” a statement posted on Twitter reads.

“Drivers who sign up in Kelowna and Victoria will be eligible for a special $1,000 promotion when they take 20 rideshare trips within 14 days of Uber’s launch in their city.”

Kelowna city councillor Ron Cannan says it’s been a long time coming.

“And I just think this complements the services that are available. We have greater demand, and in most cases then the opportunity for drivers. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and if more people come and visit Kelowna, they’re welcome,” he told CityNews Wednesday, adding the service will also provide locals and visitors another safe way to get around.

“Be responsible, they don’t have to drink and drive, and also, it’s just convenient. If you’ve been on vacation to any community where you don’t want to drive in unfamiliar areas, you can leave the driving to locals.”

Taxi industry displeased with Uber expansion

However, news of the expansion has some raising questions.

BC Taxi Association President Mohan Kang is taking issue with how this approval played out.

“Uber applied and their application was refused. What they have done, they have bought ReRyde who already had the licence to operate in these parts. Instead of coming to the front door, they saw they couldn’t do that, they have through the backdoor,” he said.

Aside from how Uber was able to get the green light to operate in Victoria and Kelowna, Kang worries about how the introduction of the service in these communities will affect his industry.

He tells CityNews taxi drivers took a hit when Uber launched in Vancouver, adding he feels the same will likely happen in the two other cities.

Despite these concerns, Kang says taxis continue to offer certain things Uber cannot.

“We’ve been providing service for people with disabilities since day one, a long, long time. Does ridehailing do the same thing?”