Innisfil partners with Uber on transit

Simcoe.com
July 13, 2017
By Janis Ramsay

All eyes are on Innisfil as the community launched an Uber transit partnership, which many hope will be a game changer to the community.

 

The partnership started in May to provide a reliable, cost-effective service to residents living in a large geographical area.

 

“It’s obviously not as busy as Toronto,” Uber driver Chantal Dugdale said. “But the service is really needed in Innisfil.”

 

Rather than create a bus system, Innisfil council set $100,000 aside to subsidize Uber rides, with residents paying $3 to $5 per ride to common areas such as the recreation centre or library.

 

The town also paired with a taxi company to accommodate people with mobility issues.

 

Dugdale said she hopes other Simcoe County communities join the program.

 

But Uber use in a commuter town hasn’t gone full speed ahead.

 

Most residents have cars and seniors don’t have smartphones to use the Uber app, Dugdale said, which has resulted in low ridership numbers at the moment.

 

“It’s presenting some challenges for (Uber) drivers, there’s no question about that,” Dugdale said, adding she earns enough as a full-time driver working in other communities.

 

“It’s a learning curve and takes time to grow as people get familiar with the app,” she said. “But jumping forward six months from now, Innisfil transit will be two to three times as busy as today.”