With the Passenger Transportation Board’s (PTB) approval of an application submitted by Coastal Rides, ride hailing is a definitive step closer to arriving on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Sunshine Coast faces unique challenges and opportunities as it is ferry dependent. Coastal is committed to making car-free visiting and living on the Sunshine Coast a viable option,” reads the Feb. 28 decision by the independent licensing tribunal.
Business owner Ryan Staley told Coast Reporter operations will likely begin mid to late March since it will take at least two weeks for potential drivers to get criminal record checks through the RCMP.
“I am really excited about bringing a new transportation service to the Coast. Thanks to everyone in the community for their support and patience while I get this service up and running," he said.
The company is expected to start with fewer than five drivers in the early months and will expand to a maximum of 30 drivers within three years, according to the decision. At that time, service might be extended to Powell River.
The service will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be available through a smartphone application.
Trips will be offered to Gibsons, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour, Egmont and BC Ferries’ terminals at Earls Cove and Langdale, and Coastal Rides “will offer residents and visitors affordable shared and private rides to complement existing transit, taxi and other transportation options.”
Coastal Rides has clearance to operate in Region 3, which encompasses Vancouver Island, excluding the Capital Regional District, as well as Region 5, which includes north central and other regions of B.C.
According to PSB, “The difference between the Coastal service and other transportation modes in the area include lower prices for longer trips that are shared rides, increased availability compared to taxis due to provision of shared rides, provision of on-demand service and the ability to book, confirm and pay for a ride through the app.”
The board determined that the service won’t have a detrimental impact on the taxi industry, “given the shortage of taxis in the intended operating areas,” but to address concerns raised in submissions about the application to PTB, certain conditions have been placed on the company, including that its rate for service be set at the Region 3 minimum of $3.40 and coupons and discounts aren’t permitted to lower that minimum rate. The company is also required to submit operational data, including driver earnings.
The application was submitted last October.
