It appears that interest in an Uber-like rideshare service is growing in North Bay.
In a social media post Tuesday, Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch wrote, "There will be a report to Council at the next meeting seeking direction for staff to prepare a report to examine and make recommendations with regard to ridesharing in North Bay."
It follows on the heels of a BayToday poll showing 69 per cent of the 1,737 respondents want to see the City adopt the idea. Seventeen per cent felt it wasn't needed.
See also: Interest in ridesharing heating up in North Bay
The move would likely prompt local cab companies to seek approval to set their own rates to compete, similar to Thunder Bay. It would allow drivers to charge surge pricing during peak hours, which in turn might encourage more drivers to the industry and help cut down on wait times.
See: Bylaw would allow taxi companies to set own rates
Councillor Mike Anthony told BayToday he's supportive of seeing how we can get rideshares in North Bay, adding he's been told by a member of the Police Services Board, which regulates taxis, that it will be discussed at the next board meeting on Tues. April 9.
"When new ideas come along and the world changes, you have to be open to looking at them. I do believe our local cab companies do a great job and I believe they will, as in other cities, continue to operate but there are people who want different or more choices. If it's legal, how do you say no?"
In addition, a Facebook page called North Bay Needs Ride Share! has sprung up that has already attracted over 700 members.
Rideshare companies are popular with students and so the Nipissing University Student Union is doing its own poll.
It asks the question, "As a student do you feel ridesharing (Uber, Lyft etc.) should be available in North Bay?"
So far, with 300 votes cast 93 per cent are in favour.
