New rideshare company steps up in Calgary

CTVnews.ca
April 21, 2016
By Michael Franklin

While Uber has left the city to lick its wounds, a new ride sharing company has stepped in, hoping to set up shop in Calgary.

Tappcar, based in Edmonton, hosted a packed information session for potential drivers in Calgary on Wednesday night.

The company launched in mid-March in the provincial capital and has also been approved to do business in St. Albert.

It shares some similarities with Uber in that it is completely app-based, but Tappcar executives say they can work within Calgary’s recent bylaws.

Tappcar also offers benefits to drivers such as medical and dental and has done over 25,000 rides via 250 drivers in Edmonton since its launch.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed with the drivers that are here,” said Ryan Weisensel with Tappcar. “We expected 25 to 50 and we’re pushing over 100. It was standing room only inside. We are very excited that there is driver interest in the city.”

Drivers who attended are also pleased with what Tappcar offers.

“Nobody expected to have a benefit plan added on this one, be unionized as well as the weekly payment that has been done by almost 50 percent less every week, so drivers are very happy,” said Mesi Khassly, a driver with Executive Limousine Inc.

The company says it will be evaluating drivers over the next few weeks.

There is no timeline on when it could hit the road in Calgary.