TOFINO & WHISTLER — With today’s announcement by the Passenger Transportation Board, Whistle is the first ride hailing company in BC to be licensed for operation.
Local to Tofino BC, Whistle will launch first in Tofino followed by a launch in Whistler, both resort areas applied for in the application. Operations will expand over the year into the neighbouring communities of Ucluelet, Pemberton and Squamish.
Explains Whistle founder Dylan Green, “I previously operated an inter-city bus company in Tofino for 15 years, and well know the challenges resort communities face during peak visitation periods, such as holidays and weekends. I see ride-hailing as a new transportation alternative that will provide real solutions for Tofino, Whistler and their neighbouring communities.”
In resort towns, ride-hailing will provide tourists and visitors with effective transportation. But uniquely, it will also help local residents, many of whom must commute to work outside their community, by offering pooled rides. Ride-hailing’s ability to add many casual drivers with their own vehicles will finally make it possible for a small transportation company to have enough cars on the road during peak demand times.
“Smartphone apps have an amazing ability to connect people together to solve transportation barriers that have existed for years. The Whistle app matches other industry leaders in quickly connecting passengers with certified drivers, for an upfront fare, from customers phones. Passengers may also choose to share their ride, aiming to reduce fares for locals who often have to commute from outside of town to work.”
Mr. Green has operated buses in 40+ BC communities and knows the key importance of driver training to grow the licensed driver pool. Whistle is actively pursuing drivers in both Tofino and Whistler. Safety is a key component in the new ride-hailing rules, so finding qualified drivers with the right vehicles will take time. We expect many local drivers will be excited to help launch a new transportation industry, and especially to have the ability to drive on their own time, with their own vehicle, and earn the majority of the fare. Interested drivers can sign up at whistle.ca.
Being the first ride-hailing company in BC is both a big responsibility and a huge opportunity for a small, local company. We are grateful for the opportunity to launch ride-hailing in Tofino and Whistler.