Uber may soon be operating in two more B.C. cities.

The company has applied to the BC Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) for a licence transfer from another rideshare company to operate in 琉璃神社 and Victoria. For the licence transfer to be approved, the PTB has to consider whether Uber is fit and proper to operate, and is capable of providing the proposed service.

鈥淯ber鈥檚 arrival in 琉璃神社 is long overdue and we encourage the PTB to finally approve this application,鈥� said 琉璃神社 Mayor Colin Basran.

鈥淔rom an equity perspective, the on-demand transportation sector allows for an income supplement for those struggling with high costs of living, and on their own timeline/schedule with little investment.鈥�

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps is also supporting Uber coming to her city.

鈥淭he City of Victoria welcomes additional transportation options that help connect people and businesses to our community,鈥� said Helps. 鈥淩idesharing companies provide safe, reliable, and affordable on-demand services that meet the expectations of our residents and visitors.鈥�

Uber was denied an expanded rideshare licence in August 2020. The PTB stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for passenger-directed transportation was still too low in the province to issue any more licences.

Concerns were also raised about existing rideshare licences not being adequately utilized.

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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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