A new rideshare service will debut in Moose Jaw with a soft launch this weekend, becoming the first of its kind to operate in the city.
Uride is an app-based rideshare service that pairs drivers with passengers based on request and will be available in Moose Jaw beginning Dec. 13-14 with a soft launch.
Drivers will be taking ride requests on these two dates between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. and can be booked using the Uride app. To celebrate the launch, Uride is offering free rides under $20, for users who book their ride on Dec. 13-14 using the booking code MOOSEJAW.
Founder and CEO of Uride, Cody Ruberto, is looking forward to expanding the service to another small city.
“We're excited and I think people are really going to enjoy it, compared to the traditional way of calling a taxi, waiting outside in the cold, not knowing if your ride's going to come or not,” said Ruberto.
Uride is already operational in five provinces, with Humboldt being its first venture into Saskatchewan. Ruberto describes the service as having an average wait time of 10 minutes and a lower price than other transportation services.
The free-to-download app allows users to request quotes on prices before booking a ride and keeps the user in contact with the driver until they arrive. Users can even book a ride in advance, while Uride also provides emailed transaction receipts and the opportunity to rate a driver’s performance following the ride’s completion.
“It's just a seamless way to get a ride,” said Ruberto.
Ruberto, who hails from Thunder Bay, Ont., first developed the app to serve what he saw as a need.
“Every time I would go out, I'd be in crowds of people stranded when the bars would close, with very few taxis on the road. It was a major problem and it led to a lot of issues with drinking and driving,” said Ruberto.
Now, Ruberto is focusing on smaller cities that are in need of an alternative to busy taxis. He hopes that Uride’s flexibility and shorter wait times will reduce the frustrations of those trying to get home after a night out and deter driving under the influence.
“That's how Uride was started, just to prevent impaired driving and help people get home safely,” said Ruberto. “It's really been incredible to actually see how you really can solve a real-life problem, with an idea.”
Following Uride’s initial launch on Dec. 13, Uride drivers will once again be available from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Dec. 20-21.
Outside of those guaranteed availability hours, some drivers will be available but Ruberto warns that Uride in Moose Jaw is still in its building stages.
“Throughout the week, passengers are welcome to open the Uride app and if you see a car available, great, you can get a ride,” said Ruberto. “But just during the soft launch stage, we're going to have limited coverage outside of those hours.”
As more drivers join the Uride roster, the availability of services is expected to improve and expand.
“Over the next couple of weeks, we will be adding more drivers to the platform and then transition to a 24-hour service,” said Ruberto.
Uride has already sparked interest in the city, with a number of messages on social media reaching out, said Ruberto. He’s excited to see the service finally available in Moose Jaw.
“We just wanted to give the people of Moose Jaw a taste of the service, how the app works, and just give them a little bit of an introduction with our soft launch,” said Ruberto.
