Inside Vancouver

Uber Looking for Drivers in Vancouver (But Don’t Pick Up Any Passengers Yet!)

Have a car and want to make a few extra bucks?

Uber, the ride-for-hire company that’s challenged the traditional taxi industry, has begun posting ads for Vancouver drivers on its website and on the job site Workopolis. “Driving with Uber is a great way to earn cash on your schedule. The more drive, the more you can earn,” the ads boast.

But don’t expect to be pocketing any extra cash anytime soon. Uber still isn’t permitted to operate in Vancouver or British Columbia. The ads are part of a push to gauge interest among drivers and also publicize the benefits of the Uber platform.

Drivers must be at least 21, have a four-door vehicle and a valid driver’s license and insurance. Uber claims that drivers can earn up to $39.60 an hour, after the company takes its 25-percent cut on all fares.

At the same time, Uber has also opened up a “sneak preview” feature for Vancouverites looking for a ride. Users who have downloaded the app can log in and get a mock-up of Uber drivers in their immediate vicinity, with an estimate of wait times. Continue reading:
Uber Looking for Drivers in Vancouver (But Don’t Pick Up Any Passengers Yet!)

Photo credit: Mark Warner | Flickr

It looks like there’s a glimmer of hope for Uber in Vancouver.

The ride-sharing company, which has been forcefully rebuffed in its previous attempts to operate in Vancouver, may be getting a reprieve. In a dramatic about-face, provincial Transportation Minister Todd Stone announced this week that ride-sharing in B.C. may soon be a reality, according to reports in the Vancouver Sun.

“… it’s a matter of when, not if, ridesharing will be prevalent in B.C.,” Stone said. “I think there’s a growing recognition (of) the issues of convenience, of choice, of competition, which British Columbians are increasingly expecting.”

While no official timeline has been set, Uber’s prospects in Vancouver have never looked better. Continue reading:
Uber may be coming to Vancouver, after all