Community Futures Central Kootenay, in partnership with Kl Squared Advisory Inc., has released a feasibility study exploring the possibility of introducing rural ride-hailing services in the Central Kootenay region of British Columbia. The study assesses the unique challenges of implementing ride-hailing in rural areas, where low population density, large distances between communities, and uneven demand create barriers for both riders and drivers.
The study area includes the Central Kootenay Regional District and nearby communities including Trail, Rossland, Cranbrook, and Grand Forks, recognizing that travel patterns often cross regional boundaries. The report examines the region’s existing transportation options, including BC Transit, local taxi companies, and the Kootenay Carshare Cooperative, and analyzes ride-hailing successes in other rural regions, such as Prince Edward County, Ontario.
Several key recommendations from the study include:
- Exploring partnerships with smaller ride-hailing companies such as Poparide
- Supporting the Kootenay Carshare Cooperative’s transition to a peer-to-peer model
- Promoting ridesharing and other shared mobility options
- Coordinating with ongoing regional transportation projects
The study concludes that while establishing a self-sustaining ride-hailing service in the Central Kootenay would be challenging, there are various pathways to improve transportation accessibility in the region.
Read the full feasibility study here.
