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Uber Launches Service at Kelowna International Airport
As of Tuesday, travelers heading to and from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in British Columbia have the option to utilize Uber for their transportation needs. The airport has established a designated pick-up location for the ride-hailing service at the north end of the terminal.
According to an announcement from Uber, passengers can now also book trips up to 90 days in advance. Sam Samaddar, CEO of YLW, expressed enthusiasm about the new service in a statement, highlighting the intention to enhance transportation choices for passengers. “By offering more transportation choices, we aim to provide passengers with the flexibility and control they need to plan their travel to and from the terminal,” he stated.
Uber has been given approval to operate in Kelowna since May 2023, following a lengthy application process. Initially, the company sought authorization from the Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) in late August 2022 to acquire the license of ReRyde, a previously licensed ride-hailing service that had been cleared to operate outside the Lower Mainland in August 2020.
Challenges Faced During Approval Process
The journey to launch Uber in Kelowna did not unfold as swiftly as anticipated. Despite hopes for a holiday rollout, the service faced considerable opposition that delayed its introduction. Reports indicate that approximately 40 organizations, including various taxi companies and other competitors, registered their concerns with the PTB. Many of these opposing groups were represented by legal advisors during the proceedings.
The central argument against Uber’s entrance into the market revolved around the potential economic impact on existing transportation services in the area. Various stakeholders argued that introducing Uber could lead to adverse effects on local taxi businesses and other ride-sharing companies, raising questions about fair competition and market sustainability.
With Uber now officially available at Kelowna International Airport, passengers will be able to enjoy greater convenience in their travel planning, representing a significant shift in the local transportation landscape.
Source
globalnews.ca