Uber Launches in Victoria, Kelowna, Chilliwack

Uber is ready to expand into three more cities in British Columbia, with Victoria, Kelowna and Chilliwack to go live today starting at noon PDT.

Drivers were informed yesterday by email the launch in each of these three cities was set to go live today, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Drivers completing 20 trips within the first 14 days of Uber’s launch can get a $1,000 bonus added to their regular earnings, says Uber.

A media event will take place at noon today in Downtown Victoria, according to Uber in an email to iPhone in Canada. The venue for this event is the Harbour Air Seaplanes Terminal, a scenic location at 950 Wharf Street.

Similarly, Kelowna will also hold a media event at the same time today. Uber will be at Kelowna City Hall at 1435 Water Street.

Last month, Uber confirmed it would be finally launching in B.C.’s capital city of Victoria. The Passenger Transportation Board granted authorization to Uber to extend its operations, facilitated by the transfer of a license from ReRyde Technologies Inc., a fellow ride-hailing company.

“Just in time for a busy summer season, we are excited to bring rideshare to more British Columbians. Residents and visitors alike now have a safe, affordable, and reliable option to help get them where they need to go, when they need to,” said Michael van Hemmen, General Manager of Uber Canada, in an issued statement. “And for those with a safe driving record, a flexible opportunity to earn money on their own time. We’d like to thank the city governments in both cities and the province for their support in bringing ridesharing to Victoria and Kelowna.”

“I’m excited to be the first passenger to ride an Uber in Victoria!” added Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto, in a statement. “Uber will add important choices to Victoria’s urban transportation system in terms of convenience, safety, and reliability.”

The taxi situation in the Capital Regional District has always been less than stellar. Uber finally brings another option for travellers, finally. Uber says it currently operates in 140 municipalities across Canada.

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.