B.C. transportation board denies Uber application to operate in Interior, Vancouver Island

Despite finding Uber to be a “fit and proper” company that can provide transportation, the board rejected the application.

Looking to catch a ride with Uber in Kelowna or Victoria? You might be waiting a while.

This week, B.C.’s Passenger Transportation Board issued a ruling on Uber Canada’s application to operate in B.C.’s Interior and on Vancouver Island.

In January 2020, Uber was granted a licence to operate in the Lower Mainland and Whistler, and the company sought to expand into the rest of B.C.

However, despite finding Uber to be a “fit and proper” company that can provide transportation, the board rejected the application.

In a lengthy 29-page decision that can be viewed online, “the board is not convinced that there exists a public need for the service applied for. Further, the board considers that the application, if granted at this time, would not promote sound economic conditions in the passenger transportation business in B.C. For these reasons, the application is refused.”

Contacted by Global News, Uber said it was disappointed in the decision, stating its app has been opened “tens of thousands” of times in Victoria and Kelowna over the past year, “clearly demonstrating that residents and visitors want access to ridesharing services.”

“The Passenger Transportation Board’s decision is surprising, disappointing and inconsistent with what we hear from communities like Victoria and Kelowna,” said Uber.

“There is meaningful public demand for ridesharing services, as demonstrated by the support from local community and business organizations, and the strong uptake of ridesharing in Metro Vancouver since we launched.