WATCH: Uber, the company that is an alternative to taxis, is trying to breakthrough legislation that would allow it to operate in BC. Monica Martinez reports.
There are no shortage of promotional videos on Uber’s YouTube channel marketing the taxi alternative as a cheaper, faster and friendlier option.
And while the ride sharing company operates in over 40 municipalities in Canada, in BC it’s completely shut out.
But the San Francisco based company is not giving up. It launched a petition to garner public support, asking British Columbians to download the app, and to email Premier Christy Clark.
In their latest push, the company is recruiting drivers, advertising positions on job sites and Tuesday night in Victoria, it is conducting an info session at the Hotel Grand Pacific.
Uber was also in Kelowna Monday night where hundreds showed up to the driver info session. The company will also be presenting in Vancouver and Surrey later on this week.
But despite all this buzz, there is no timeline set of when Uber might come to BC.
“At this point we don’t have any plans to launch but we have been hearing from people in Victoria and in several other communities a real interest in learning more about Uber and ride sharing,” said spokesperson Susie Heath.
The company has had conversations with the province, and the decision ultimately lies there.
Minister Peter Fassebender calls Uber’s actions pushy.
“I think they are very aggressive. I mean they want to come into this market and take revenue out of our market that’s their goal. I respect that however we are not going to be forced or pressured into doing something we haven’t done well and we ensure we protect the existing industry as best we can,” he said.
Stuck in legal limbo, it may be a long time before British Columbians are able to hail an Uber.
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