Update: City Considers Options For Ride Services

Feb 21, 2019 | 11:03 AM

It’s not Uber — but Enderby’s mayor says a group is looking to start a ride service in the city.

Greg McCune says the service could serve a role, until the province approves ride sharing services like Uber.

“We do have a group that’s approached the Chamber of Commerce to kind of feel out their idea, and I think they’ll end up with some sort of service. It will have to encompass more than just being a taxi because it’s not really a thing that pays its way anymore,” McCune tells Beach Radio News.

The mayor believes the group plans to acquire some vehicles, and offer a similar service to one in Chase that has grown from one to four vehicles.

“You have to make sure there is enough different things, whether its wine tours on weekends, or some groups like a ball team, or just getting people from A and B.”

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The Enderby and District Curling Society has written to council, saying the lack of taxi services is a reason for a decrease on bonspiel registrations, facility bookings and sales

“Without alternative transportation services in Enderby, interest in curling events are declining and teams are choosing other locations to play in,” says Dave Lancaster, society president.

The Volunteer Drivers Program has been operating in Enderby for a number of years, providing rides to and from health care appointments.

Spokesman David Lautsch tells Beach Radio News, people using the service are expected to contribute to the driver’s fuel costs, with fees of $5 for Enderby, $23 to Vernon and $16 to Salmon Arm.

“We don’t want ours confused with theirs. Our service is strictly a contribution to gas. There is no direct fee involved,” says Lautsch.

McCune has long been a supporter of allowing services like Uber in smaller communities.

“Not just for a community of our size, but most small communities. It’s an opportunity for people in the area. We’re really hoping at some point the province moves forward with Uber at some point.”

(This revised version provides clarity on the existing Volunteers Drivers Program in Enderby)

by Corey Fischer