Finally, global ride-hailing giant Uber is now able to pick up arriving passengers at Kelowna International Airport.
"It was a bit of a protracted negotiation," said Kelowna airport CEO Sam Samaddar.
"But we've now come to an agreement and Uber is now able to serve the airport immediately. We are excited to have Uber available at YLW to provide an additional transportation option for passengers at the airport. By offering more transportation choices, we aim to provide passengers with the flexibility and control they need to plan their travel to and from the airport."
Uber first arrived in Kelowna in June 2023.
But, it couldn't pick up passengers at Kelowna airport until it signed the airport's fee-structure and terms-and-conditions agreement.
Technically, Uber could always drop off at Kelowna airport because people would have used the app to hail a ride for pick up at their home or work or other location.
Initially, Uber didn't want to sign the pick-up agreement with the airport, but now has.
All transportation providers at the airport, be they taxis, limousine, ride-hailing or shuttles have to pay the airport $2 per rider.
The terms and conditions cover driver conduct and responsibilities of the transportation company for safety and customer service.
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Canadian ride-hailing company Uride did sign the agreement shortly after arriving in Kelowna and has been picking up and dropping off at the airport since May 2022.
"We're thrilled how Kelowna residents and visitors have embraced Uber for safe, affordable and reliable ride options since our launch last June," said Michael van Hemmen, Uber Canada's general manager for mobility.
"And now we're excited to extend this to airport trips. Thank you to Kelowna airport for this partnership to bring more ground transportation options for travellers."
Arriving passengers at Kelowna airport can follow the signage to the north end of the terminal, where the rideshare zone is to hail either Uber or Uride.
Since both companies are app-based, there isn't a line up of Uber or Uride drivers.
Instead, they are nearby and come when hailed by the app.
Taxi drivers are now also using app hailing and don't have to wait in line if they don't want to.
Instead, a system of 'virtual queuing' has been instituted to count cab drivers down to when it is their turn for a pick up.
Uber also has the option on the app to reserve a trip up to 90 days ahead so people can plan their trips to and from the airport, especially for an early-morning or late-night flight.
Ride-hailing companies generally tout themselves as more affordable and responsive than taxis.
A quick check Tuesday at lunch time on the Uber app showed that a driver could pick up a passenger at the Landmark 6 office tower in three minutes and get them to the airport for $33.
A quick check with Kelowna Cabs for the same trip was quoted at around $41.
But, ride-hailing companies can also have surge pricing for busy times that see prices go up.
So, ride-hailing is not necessarily always cheaper than a cab.
"You should check both for your trip," suggested Samaddar.
"It's buyer beware because prices can vary."
Samaddar also added" "By offering more transportation choices, we aim to provide passengers with the flexibility and control they need to plan their travel to and from the terminal."
