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When Uber starts up in Kelowna, it's expected to lead to a big shake-up in the cab industry, but at least one industry spokesperson believes the riding public will come out the winner.
Everyone seems to agree, that the day Uber starts up will be a day when far fewer people call a cab.
"So it's a problem for us," said Check Mate driver Alexander Chonkow.
"All these drivers, we've got families to feed, right?"
It's expected that a good portion of the drivers who will get behind the wheel for Uber are the same people who are driving cabs today.
"The drivers may migrate over to the ride-sharing," said Kelowna Cabs spokesperson Roy Paulson, "and if they do, that's fine too,"
He says that with a reduction in calls for cabs, a reduction in cab drivers makes sense.
"It will kind of level the ratio out," said Paulson.
Looking at other cities where Uber has been operating, the cab industry did not disappear.
"It did put a lull in the taxi business for a while," Paulson said.
But he said that some of that business came back.
"It's right back up there where it's comfortable for them to make a living doing it."
And ultimately, while it may mean some turmoil for people in the driving business, the new competition should be good for the travelling public, according to Paulson.
"There will be better customer service," he said. "With each company trying to be better than the other."
As for when Uber will be starting in Kelowna and Victoria, all the company has said is "soon".
Life update 🙌 #yyj #ylw pic.twitter.com/kzUM3vy7B1
— Uber Canada (@Uber_Canada) May 10, 2023
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