Uride ridesharing company launching in P.G. on Friday, Oct. 21

Could this be the start of a price war in our city’s personal transportation industry?

The Canadian ridesharing company Uride is launching its service in Prince George next Friday, following its start-up in Kelowna and Kamloops earlier this year.

Starting at noon on Friday, Oct. 21, Prince George customers will be able to book rides using an app on their phones, tablets or desktop computers.

Based in Thunder Bay, Ont., Uride started recruiting drivers in February to serve Prince George, offering $1,500 weekly guarantees  for its ’All-Star” drivers and a $1,000 sign-up bonus for part-time drivers.

Drivers use their own vehicles, which must 2013-or-later model years and must pass a safety inspections. Drivers are required to be at least 19 years old, have a Class 4 licence, show proof of ownership and insurance and are must submit to a background check.

“Our entire team is very excited for this launch and to bring the people of Prince George

access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation,” said Ravi Dhami, Uride’s Western Canada operations manager.

“We’ve heard from the community that finding reliable transportation is a struggle and we want everyone to know that we’re here with a team of dedicated drivers ready to prevent impaired driving and change the way people move around in Prince George.”

Uride also has plans to expand its service to Victoria and Nanaimo.

To promote the service, Uride is offering discounts to customers who book their first rides. More information is available on the website at uridetech.com.