Updates One Year Since Uber’s Launch Into Metro Vancouver

Can you believe it’s already been one year since Uber launched in Metro Vancouver? Although the year has not looked the way any of us expected, it’s been great to make the ridesharing app available to drivers and riders in Metro Vancouver thanks to the support of many British Columbians.

Uber’s focus this year was to ensure the health and safety of all drivers and riders as we navigate this difficult time. With the guidance of health experts, important measures were taken to keep everyone safe including a wide distribution of PPE and cleaning supplies for drivers, providing Public Health Officials with contact tracing support, and the release of a new Door-to-Door safety standard so people can safely move around in their communities.

Uber was also the first rideshare platform to implement a mandatory mask standard with their “No Mask. No Ride.” policy. With their ‘Go Online’ checklist, riders and drivers will have to confirm that they have taken certain steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19, including the confirmation that they are wearing a mask or face cover. Safety is and continues to be at the heart of Uber.

Over the past year, British Columbians have been taking rides all over the city. To celebrate one year since launch, here are some facts to share what riders and earners have been up to since launch:

• The first ride with Uber after launch was in a Tesla Model 3, which is not surprising given Vancouver has the highest % of low-emission vehicles across all Canadian markets and is 2nd in North America on the % of KMs driven by Hybrids and EVs
• Since that first trip, over 94% of rides have been 5-star experiences according to both drivers and riders
• With those 5-star experiences comes BC’s top 5 most generous cities for tipping are:1) North Vancouver; 2) Vancouver; 3) West Vancouver; 4) Coquitlam; 5) Langley
• When the second wave of the pandemic hit, Uber partnered with Fraser Health to send a PSA to all riders and drivers amplifying key safety messages;
• Uber also distributed 275,000+ PPE to drivers to help project and keep their communities safe

“It’s been exciting to provide a safe, reliable and affordable transportation alternative and flexible earning opportunities in Metro Vancouver over the past 12 months, and we’re looking forward to the Uber and Uber Eats apps becoming available in more communities this year.

I’d like to thank drivers and riders for their commitment to respecting Uber’s health and safety protocols, doing your part to keep everyone healthy whether you needed to get across town for an essential appointment or wanted to support your favourite local restaurants while staying at home,” says Matthew Price, General Manager of Uber Canada.

While we might not return to normal right away, Uber looks forward to expanding this year to Victoria and Kelowna, creating new and flexible opportunities for residents to earn money.