A couple of ride-sharing companies will have to hold off on launch celebrations in Chatham-Kent as drivers get vetted.
The founder of Uride, a Thunder Bay-based company, had initially expected to launch the service in Chatham-Kent September 1. However, a lack of drivers has pushed back the start date by a couple of weeks.
Skye Volpi, chief operating officer of Uride, said the service is now expected to become fully operational by mid-September.
"We're actively recruiting drivers and going through the application process," said Volpi. "Anyone who is interested in making some money on the side and helping the community with the existing transportation issues [should] feel free to reach out to us."
COO Skye Volpi (left) and Liaison Florin Marksteiner (right). August 31, 2018. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
He also said the process of getting Uride drivers is the only obstacle standing in the way of officially launching, a process Volpi said he doesn't want to rush through.
Since announcing the arrival of a new ride-sharing service to the municipality, Volpi said reception has been great.
"I think that the community believes that they need this type of service," he said. "There's been a void in the transportation services that currently exist and so I think people have embraced us so far."
Uride liaison Florin Marksteiner said an information session/ job fair will be held September 8. Specifics regarding time and location have yet to be determined but will be posted to their social media pages.
Although there are taxi services available in Chatham-Kent, it appears Uride won't have other ride-sharing companies to compete with, that is until GoDrivR becomes operational.
According to Marksteiner, GoDriver is not at the same stage that Uride is at now. However, that claim has been contradicted.
Kris Cote, president and CEO for Automatic Technologies Inc., told Blackburn News that GoDrivR is planning to launch September 15 and is also in the recruiting process. Cote had previously said the goal was to have GoDrivR ready by mid-August.
If all goes according to plan, both ride-sharing companies should be on the road in a couple of weeks.