Richmond-based ReRyde Technologies will hand over its licence to operate a ride-hailing service in Greater Victoria to Uber this fall, assuming the Passenger Transportation Board approves the move.
ReRyde, which was given the licence in summer 2020, never actually ran its service in Victoria. It was given approval to operate in every region of sa国际传媒 other than the Lower Mainland and Whistler. Uber was denied access to the Island.
Last week, Uber applied to the Passenger Transportation Board for a licence transfer that would allow it to assume ReRyde’s operating licence for Victoria and Kelowna.
There seems to be little that can stop the transfer.
According to the board, an independent tribunal that considers applications for taxi, bus, limousine and ride-hailing services, in a licence transfer it only considers whether the licence transfer applicant — Uber in this case — is fit and proper to provide the service and capable of providing that service.
In these cases, the board does not assess whether a licence transfer application addresses public need or promotes sound economic conditions, as that was considered when the licence was first granted to ReRyde.
Uber, which has operated on the Lower Mainland and Whistler since January 2020, applied for a licence to operate in Victoria last summer, but that was denied in December.
At the time, the board said there was a lack of public need, and Uber’s presence in the market could harm smaller operators and taxis.
Companies and individuals that oppose the transfer have until Sept. 19 to provide a written submission to the board.
In a statement, Uber said conditions have changed since its application was denied as demand for services has returned as pandemic restrictions have been relaxed.
The board has approved six ride-hailing licences for Victoria. Only one has ever been in use — Lucky To Go, which continues to operate.
