Today, Uber officially launches its ridesharing platform in Winnipeg, offering residents and visitors a way to a safe, affordable, and reliable ride at the touch of a button. In more than 700 cities globally, Uber users rely on the app to access affordable transportation options whenever they need them. Whether it’s a ride across town or a late-night ride home after a responsible socially distant evening out, Uber helps riders get where they want to go.

“Winnipeggers now have an affordable option to help get where they need to go, when they need to,” said Michael van Hemmen, Head of City Operations in Canada for Uber. “And for those with a safe driving record, a flexible opportunity to earn money on their own time. We’d like to thank Mayor Bowman, Council, and the Province for their support in bringing ridesharing to Winnipeg.”

“In February 2017, I began advocating for Winnipeg to establish ride-sharing services,” said Mayor Bowman. “Today’s announcement of Uber’s launch builds on the existing service providers that have established themselves in Winnipeg. As of today Winnipeggers will now have Uber as an internationally recognized brand to choose from, and when tourism and travel return to normal, visitors will have even more choice for ride-sharing when they arrive.”

“We are so pleased to welcome Uber to Winnipeg,” said MADD Canada National President Jaymie-Lyne Hancock. “Having more transportation options available to people is a crucial way to stop impaired driving, save lives and prevent injuries. Uber offers a safe and convenient ride at the push of a button, giving Winnipeg residents another important and easy way to plan ahead for a sober ride home.”

As Winnipeg adjusts to the new normal, Uber has safety policies and features in place to help riders and drivers be safe together. In addition to riders and drivers confirming they’ve taken certain steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 through Uber’s Go Online Checklist, masks and face-coverings are mandatory for both riders and drivers alike.

“We know that every time a rider opens their Uber app, they are putting their trust in our technology – not just to request a driver, but also for tools if emergencies arise. Our platform was built with safety in mind,” adds van Hemmen. “And now as we navigate the new normal together, we have enhanced policies and features for riders and drivers to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

With the help of Uber’s technology, more than 17 million trips are completed globally each day, connecting riders to places near and far.

Riders in Winnipeg can also continue to take advantage of Uber Eats, the company’s on-demand food delivery platform, to order food, now conveniently from within the Uber app. To celebrate the launch of Rides in the Slurpee Capital of the World, Uber Eats is offering Winnipeggers 2 for 1 Slurpees in July.  Terms and conditions apply.

To meet the expected demand for rides in Winnipeg, interested drivers can visit drive.uber.com to learn more about driving with Uber.