Uber's expansion across N.L. could address rural transportation gaps, says business leader
Company plans to expand across province in next few weeks
It took years of lobbying before Uber planted itself in St. John's, and now the company is expanding across the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The move comes ahead of the summer tourism season, and one Labrador business leader says the service could fill the gaps in rural transportation.
"It's often a challenge for people to be able to get around, and get around with confidence.… So we're very excited to see an alternative come to Happy Valley-Goose Bay," said Andy Turnbull, chair of the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce.
"There's certainly gaps in local transportation that I believe Uber can fill."
The company first launched in St. John's in April 2024. The service is active across the Avalon Peninsula.
Keerthana Rang, Uber Canada's corporate communications lead, says first-year successes have helped the company decide that now is the time to expand.
"The weather's getting warmer, tourism season's going to come up. So we really want to get going before all that gets started," Rang told CBC News.
Rang says the expansion should happen in the next few weeks. However, the experience in rural parts of the province might be different than in larger centres like St. John's, she said.
"While we will turn that app on and it will be available across the entire province, rides will only be available where drivers are actively signed up and online to do trips," she said.
"Wait times will probably be a little bit longer … but at least you know there is a driver around and available."
Rang says the company is actively seeking drivers to sign up to get things rolling in rural areas.
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
With files from CBC Newfoundland Morning and Labrador Morning
