Today, Uber officially expanded its ridesharing platform across British Columbia, offering residents and visitors a safe, affordable, and reliable transportation option at the touch of a button. 

While the app will be available across the entire province, rides will only be available where drivers actively sign up and go online to do trips. Ride availability may vary depending on the number of drivers in your area, but we’re growing every day and always looking for more to join the road. 

In over 140 municipalities in Canada and over 10,000 cities globally, Uber users rely on the app to access transportation options whenever they need them. Whether it’s a ride across town to run errands, to get to work or school on time, or a late-night ride home after an evening out, Uber helps riders get where they want to go. In a recent survey, 81% of Canadian riders say safety is an important reason why they choose to ride with Uber and 77% say options like Uber help reduce impaired driving. 

“As we head into a busy summer season, we are excited to bring rideshare to more British Columbians. Residents and visitors alike now have a safe, affordable, and reliable option to help get them where they need to go, when they need to,” said Michael van Hemmen, General Manager of Uber Canada. “And for those with a safe driving record, a flexible opportunity to earn money on their own time.”

To meet the expected demand for rides, interested drivers can visit driver.uber.com to learn more about driving with Uber. We are offering a $500 incentive for eligible drivers who complete their profile and take 10 trips within the first 4 weeks. 

We’re proud to have amazing community organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada, Hope Air, and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) support Uber. 

“Keeping roads safe is a responsibility we all share – and in British Columbia, that starts with giving people better options to get home. MADD Canada is proud to partner with Uber Canada to do just that. As ridesharing expands in B.C., more people will have access to a safe way home, helping reduce the risks on our roads. Whether in a big city or a smaller community, every safe ride is a step toward preventing impaired driving and protecting lives.”

  • Steve Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, MADD Canada

Each year, thousands of British Columbians rely on Hope Air to reach medical care far from home. Alongside flights, meals, and accommodations, Uber, our official rideshare partner, helps patients travel safely from the airport to hospital appointments. As Uber expands in B.C., even more people will benefit from a seamless journey to care, helping us improve health equity across the province.”

  • Mark Rubinstein, Chief Executive Officer Hope Air

“Uber’s rideshare has contributed significantly to our industry, giving British Columbians the option of a sober ride home after enjoying a meal or night out. Uber has also been a game-changer for those working late night hours in the hospitality industry, helping them get home safely after their shifts. We are thrilled to hear Uber will be expanding across the province. The addition of Uber in smaller regions of BC will be a welcome addition to tourism, the BC wine industry, and an incredible convenience for families.”

  • Ian Tostenson, President/CEO, British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association

In May 2023, Uber received approval from BC’s Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) for a licence transfer from another rideshare company to operate across the province. We launched in Victoria and Kelowna in June 2023.