Uber Canada is gearing up to launch its ride sharing service in Kelowna and Victoria.

The company’s much awaited license transfer application was approved by the Passenger Transportation Board Wednesday, clearing the way for Uber to operate across British Columbia.

Uber’s initial expansion application to operate outside the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley was denied in Dec. 2021, as the PTB felt that while “Uber is fit, proper and capable” to operate a ride sharing service across the province, it wasn’t “convinced” that there was a public need for it.

In August last year, Uber applied to acquire ReRyde’s licence, as the Richmond-based company never began operations despite being licenced to operate everywhere in B.C. outside the Lower Mainland.

“Victoria and Kelowna, you are one step closer to requesting a ride with the tap of a button,” Uber said in a statement Wednesday, noting “tens of thousands” of local residents have already signed up.

“Today, the Passenger Transportation Board announced their approval of our license transfer application, which will enable the same safe, affordable, and reliable rides in Victoria and Kelowna that are currently available in the Lower Mainland and across 140 other municipalities in Canada.”

Life update 🙌 #yyj #ylw pic.twitter.com/kzUM3vy7B1

— Uber Canada (@Uber_Canada) May 10, 2023

A number of taxi companies and ride sharing operators from across B.C. – including Kami Cabs, U-Ride, and Kabu-Ride – raised concerns about Uber’s potential arrival into the rest of the province., saying it would or could impact their operations.

The PTB did acknowledge those concerns, though it ultimately ruled in favour of the licence transfer. It also noted that Uber only plans to operate in Kelowna and Victoria for the first three years “with a view to expanding to other centres as demand grows and the opportunity arises.”

Uber will need to provide the Passenger Transportation Board with at least three months of notice prior commencing operations outside of Kelowna and Victoria, so that it could consider whether the terms and conditions of its approval should be amended.

It is not clear when Uber vehicles will hit the streets of Kelowna and Victoria, with the company saying it will provide more information in the coming days.