944 replies to this topic

[lanforod]

Who here would use this service today if it existed here?

 

I wonder if you can sit in the driver seat.

[MarkoJ]

Who here would use this service today if it existed here?

 

I wonder if you can sit in the driver seat.

 

I would like to be a driver. I often have to do showings in Sidney and the Westshore so it would be cool to turn it on coming back to town and see if I can pick anyone up along the way. 

[spanky123]

Uber and Lyft are perfect examples of technology making something much better. It’s a shame they’re not being allowed here. The taxi companies don’t like it? Of course they don’t. Adapt and compete or get left behind. They don’t want to do that either. And these small company ride hailing startups that Victoria is allowing are pale imitations. The modern world moves forward but, apparently, not here.

Perhaps a new Mayor and council would approve. Good question for candidates.

[lanforod]

I would like to be a driver. I often have to do showings in Sidney and the Westshore so it would be cool to turn it on coming back to town and see if I can pick anyone up along the way.

Ok. But I was referring to the autonomous service above my post .

[Victoria Watcher]

Uber hopes to operate in Victoria by Christmas

Ride-hailing company hopes to take over an existing licence; waiting for regulatory approval



Uber has applied to the Passenger Transportation Board for a licence transfer that would allow it to assume an existing operating licence for Victoria and Kelowna.

________

Neither Uber nor the board would name the company whose licence would be transferred.

https://www.timescol...ristmas-5766308

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 September 2022 - 02:39 AM.

[lanforod]

Has to be Current Taxi

[Victoria Watcher]

Has to be Current Taxi

 

Yes, very good.

 

https://currenttaxi....-streets-dec-1/

 

I guess they tried to start in Victoria, never worked.  But they currently operate in Kelowna.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 September 2022 - 06:40 AM.

[lanforod]

They operated in Victoria for a while but recently stopped.

[Victoria Watcher]

They operated in Victoria for a while but recently stopped.

 

 

Current Taxi pulls plug on Victoria business

 

Citing fallout from the pandemic, Kelowna-based Current Taxi is pulling its vehicles from the Victoria market.

 

https://www.timescol...usiness-4690249

 

 

 

When Current hit Victoria in 2019 it promoted itself as the first Canadian, all-electric taxi company.

 

Victoria’s existing taxi companies were not pleased when Current first applied to the Passenger Transportation Board for its licence. There were nine submissions from competing firms, including Victoria Taxi, Bluebird Taxi and Yellow Cab, arguing there was no public need for additional taxis, especially given the imminent arrival of ride-hailing apps.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 September 2022 - 06:57 AM.

[spanky123]

Has to be Current Taxi

 

There we a few that were licensed for Victoria but which never went anywhere. Smart move to acquire a license though as presumably that makes it harder for the Mayor and council to block the application.

[lanforod]

There we a few that were licensed for Victoria but which never went anywhere. Smart move to acquire a license though as presumably that makes it harder for the Mayor and council to block the application.

 

Is it the mayor and council in this case? I don't think so. It's the province.

[spanky123]

Is it the mayor and council in this case? I don't think so. It's the province.

  

And the Province acts on the recommendation of the local Government do they not?

[lanforod]

Thankfully the province has more sense than that.

[qv]

The mayor is supporting this application. Its the Provincial authority that shut it down previously.

"Mayor Lisa Helps said in a press release issued by Uber that Victoria welcomes additional transportation options.

“We’ve heard from local businesses, entrepreneurs and our hospitality industry that there is an immediate demand for these services."

https://www.cheknews...elowna-1082909/

[Ismo07]

And the Province acts on the recommendation of the local Government do they not?

 

The Passenger Transportation Board decides about ride hailing services.  Uber was denied last time but I think mostly everyone else hoped for it.  Except the taxi's. Uber's request to operate ride-hailing in Victoria turned down - Victoria Times Colonist

 

In its decision, the board, an independent tribunal that considers applications for taxi, bus and limousine licences and what it calls “transportation network services” — also known as ride-hailing — said there was a lack of public need, and Uber’s presence in the market could harm smaller operators and taxis.

Edited by Ismo07, 01 September 2022 - 02:52 PM.

[Mike K.]

There's a massive need for a service like this in the suburbs. No buses, long distances, and limited taxis. Uber would be a game changer. Does downtown Victoria and areas around it need Uber? Not really, but it's convenient, and people recognize it. I couldn't tell you who the ride hailing companies are in town if you put a gun to my head.

[Victoria Watcher]

Why we have a regulatory body to decide on “need” and harm to other operators remains a mystery.

We don’t have it for other business sectors. Thankfully.

[Ismo07]

There's a massive need for a service like this in the suburbs. No buses, long distances, and limited taxis. Uber would be a game changer. Does downtown Victoria and areas around it need Uber? Not really, but it's convenient, and people recognize it. I couldn't tell you who the ride hailing companies are in town if you put a gun to my head.

 

It's needed downtown too... I rarely call cabs cause I can walk around but I've been hung up on the last two times.  It's quite comical...

[Victoria Watcher]

^

“Hello, (cab company) here”

“Yes, can I get a cab to (downtown location?”

“Sure, that’ll be about 45 minutes”

“Don’t you know who I AM!!!????”

“(click)”

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 September 2022 - 03:09 PM.

[Mike K.]

Why we have a regulatory body to decide on “need” and harm to other operators remains a mystery.

We don’t have it for other business sectors. Thankfully.

They say only wheat and dairy operates with protected advantages.

Oh, really?