B.C. company plans to launch ride-hailing services in Kamloops, Okanagan

KAMLOOPS — A Vancouver company is eager to get ride-hailing services running as soon as possible throughout much of B.C. by the end of this year — and that includes the Thompson-Okanagan.

The CEO of Vancouver-based company, Kater, says once the province begins accepting applications from companies in September, he hopes to operate B.C.-wide as soon as possible.

“We’ll be launching throughout the Lower Mainland and eventually throughout B.C., including Kamloops and the Okanagan by the end of this year,” CEO Scott Larson says in an emailed statement.

Larson says the company is currently building its driver database in anticipation of upcoming government announcements regarding licensing.

It’s unclear how many drivers will be needed in each Thompson-Okanagan city to operate successfully.

“We don’t know at this point,” he says. “Exact numbers will depend on the licences granted by the Passenger Transportation Board.”

The company says they are already looking to onboard drivers across B.C. and welcome any applications from Kamloops and the Okanagan.

“We’ll be rolling out a number of incentives and packages for our drivers over the coming weeks,” he says.

The company says its exact timing will depend on driver and rider supply and demand.

“We are confident that we’ll have plenty of interest and intend to be present throughout B.C. … before the end of the year,” he says.

Kater drivers will use their own vehicles and will be required to hold a Class 4 licence. Kater says it will also require drivers to attend a training course in person in addition to undergo criminal record checks.

Anyone interesting in participating in Kater's ride-hailing services can visit the company's website here.

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