Rideshare company planning Vernon launch

Vernon could soon have its own rideshare operator with Ontario-based company URide gearing up to expand into Vernon.

The app-based ride-hailing company is currently operating in Kelowna and Kamloops and is now eyeing the Vernon market.

URide CEO and founder Chad Ruberto said the company is now recruiting drivers to work for the rideshare company in Vernon.

Ruberto said there's no official date on when the company will launch in Vernon and it depends on what the response from drivers is.

"We do want to launch in Vernon," Ruberto told iNFOnews.ca

Earlier this year, URide launched in Kelowna and Kamloops. The company is also set to launch in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Prince George.

Ruberto said the Vernon launch is still in the very early stages but the company has obtained a licence from the province to operate in the North Okanagan.

READ MORE: Why you still can't hail a ride despite eight companies approved for Kamloops, Kelowna

While larger worldwide companies like Uber and Lyft have been a common sight in many parts of Canada for several years, the Southern Interior has been slower to the mark.

Many have blamed the province's requirement that drivers have a Class 4 licence, the same as required for taxi drivers.

How long it takes Uride to recruit drivers in Vernon remains to be seen.

Ruberto previously told iNFOnews.ca that the company had "dozens" of drivers ready to drive for the company in Kamloops.

For more information on URide go here.

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