The wait is over.
Ride-hailing will officially launch in Prince George next Monday (July 27) with Coastal Rides.
“We strive to provide a safe and affordable transportation option for people in Prince George," Coastal RIdes Founder Ryan Staley says in a release.
"We have been working to make sure we have safety procedures in place to protect riders and drivers from COVID-19, including having barriers between the front and back seats and sanitizing between riders.”
Customers will be able to book, confirm and pay for a ride through the app, which will allow for contactless transactions, and see a fare estimate in the app before payment is made via credit card, making the process cashless.
Staley says there will be four drivers ready to go on the first day of service.
As more drivers are added, he says service availability will be expanded. The company is currently looking for additional qualified drivers.
“We are trying to make a system that really works for drivers and customers, for drivers who choose to work full time, we are offering benefits like extended medical and disability insurance,” Staley added.
Potential drivers must have a commercial driving license, clean police and driving records and a vehicle that is no more than 10 years old.
Coastal Rides received approval from the Passenger Transportation Board at the end of February, but the launch was delayed due to COVID-19.
The company's app is currently available for download through the App Store or Google Play, as well as through links on the Coastal Rides website.
- with files from Hanna Petersen, PrinceGeorgeMatters
