UPDATE: TappCar says it will launch in Grande Prairie on December 20, 2018.
Locals will soon have more choices when it comes to getting around the city. Ride-sharing company TappCar announced on Wednesday morning that it would be expanding into Grande Prairie. Spokesperson Tim Gerwing says the company has heard from the public and wants to give them an alternative to taxi services.
“I think what we found with the Grande Prairie market as far as taxis go was very fragmented and there was a lot of frustration on the part of residents. We’re not looking to push anybody out we’re just looking to be part of the action. We think that we have an innovative product that’s gonna be really good for the community.”
Right now, TappCar operates in Edmonton and Winnipeg as well as in Steinbach, Manitoba. The company is currently recruiting local drivers and will be run the same as other ridesharing programs where people will drive their own cars. Through the company’s research, Gerwing believes TappCar can be successful in the city.
“It’s about creating a viable, sustainable product that is going to meet that demand for new transportation choice without creating conflict with any other sort of other local businesses… I have no doubt that this will be a tremendous success in Grande Prairie… and we’re really excited to hit the road.”
Gerwing says TappCar’s should be up and running in Grande Prairie by the end of this year or early next year. The City of Grande Prairie is working on a separate bylaw for vehicles for hire, but one has not yet been approved by city council.