A popular ride-sharing company is planning to roll into the Nanaimo market in the new year.
In a press release, Uber said it plans to expand into B.C. in early 2025 and is seeking drivers. In an e-mail, Keerthana Rang, Uber Canada spokesperson, said the company received approval for a licence transfer from the B.C. Passenger Transportation Board in May 2023, valid for all regions in B.C. Uber is accessed via a mobile app.
"Under the [board's] decision, we must give three months鈥� notice before further expansion, which we鈥檝e now given. As licensing and compliance are managed by the [board] and the Government of B.C.鈥檚 Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement branch, no additional steps are required," she said.
Steven Johns, Downtown Nanaimo Business Association vice-chairperson, told the News Bulletin that Uber would be beneficial.
"I think that ride-sharing in Nanaimo is essential, not just for young people, but also for professionals who either don't drive for whatever reason, or choose not to drive," he said. "It's just an alternative to taxi companies. Any kind of healthy competition is good for any industry, and that's been proven over and over in different markets and different occupations."
Another ride-sharing company, Uride, already operates in Nanaimo. Reserve Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, said police favour anything that reduces risk of people operating motor vehicles while intoxicated.
"There is no empirical data, but any time there is viable ride-share service, people will use it and hopefully, not choose to drink and drive," O'Brien said in an e-mail. "That鈥檚 a good thing."
Rang said Uber is seeking Class 1, 2, or 4 licensed drivers. A criminal record and driving history check will be conducted yearly to ensure they meet provincial standards. Drivers must own a vehicle that is nine years old or newer and the vehicle must pass an annual provincial inspection.
The spokesperson did not provide more specific timelines for launch, but she did say more information will be provided when it is available.
Uber expanded to Victoria and Kelowna in 2023.
In a separate release from Uber's food ordering and delivery section, Uber Eats, Nanaimo was ranked sixth amongst the top 10 Canadian cities in terms of being generous tippers and eighth for most polite.
