KAMLOOPS — Kamloops’ first ride-hailing service is launching in the city Friday (June 3).
The Canada-wide company that started in Ontario is coming to Kamloops with dozens of drivers.
Ride-hailing services in BC are found primarily in Metro Vancouver.
With only two taxi companies in Kamloops, hailing a cab during the evening or on a weekend can be an exercise in frustration.
Uride CEO Cody Ruberto believes the company’s drivers can help with the limited options.
“Kamloops, for example, we’ve heard stories about people waiting long times for taxis, pricing being a little bit high. We just want to come and try to make a difference here. We launched Kelowna recently as well and we’re expanding throughout BC at the moment and Kamloops is definitely high on our list to make a difference.”
More than 20 drivers will be available for the launch on Friday to serve the local population.
“We all know it’s an underserved market. There is a big demand and people cannot get a ride on time when they need it right — so that’s a big challenge of the market. That’s where Uride has come in to tackle that issue,” says Uride driver Roger Dhesa.
Some people in the city are excited, hoping the app helps secure rides. One person explained how convenient the app could be.
“That’ll be wonderful to have. I live in Barnhartvale so getting a cab to go Barnhartvale to downtown, it’s not possible. Getting someone to pick me up from Barnhartvale kind of prevents me from going out at night.”
She also said, “It’s definitely something that I think people will use especially the university students. It’s great to hear.”
Another person added, “I think it’s definitely beneficial because the cab system is not ideal. I know a lot of people complain about efficiency like when they need it, it’s not here.”
The excitement over the service is growing as a man said, “Get a goddamn ride service that works! It’s the best thing since the internet!”
Uride says assisting the public is its Number One priority, and believes its service will help keep people safe.
“Trying to prevent impaired driving and get people home safe,” said Ruberto. “We want to make sure people have reliable transportation and we also want to help them save money getting around.”
