Lucky to Go is the first ride-hailing operator to provide service to Victoria International Airport.
The company is also operating a shuttle-bus service from downtown to the airport and ferries.
Mandeep Rana, founder of LTG Technologies, said the ride-hailing service and Easy Ride Shuttle service will be ramped up based on demand.
The company is allowed to drop off passengers at the airport and is working on an agreement with YYJ to pick up passengers, which could be finalized by the end of the week, Rana said.
Passengers will find designated ride-hailing pickup stalls along the curb in the short-term parking lot at the airport. For drop-off, ride-hailing vehicles will use the same drop-off areas that taxis and other vehicles use.
Rana said Lucky to Go, with 15 registered drivers, is the only ride-hailing service operating in Greater Victoria, though the province’s Passenger Transportation Board has given approval to five others. Rana said the “huge investments” needed to begin operating have likely deterred any others.
The Passenger Transportation Board in December turned down Uber’s application to operate in Victoria and Kelowna.
In its decision, the board, an independent tribunal that considers applications for taxi, bus and limousine licences and what it calls “transportation network services” — also known as ride-hailing — said there was a lack of public need, and Uber’s presence in the market could harm smaller operators and taxis.
Meanwhile, Lucky to Go’s shuttle service, granted a licence in December by the Passenger Transportation Board, is starting with three van-buses that will operate two lines that run to the ferries and airport — one from downtown Victoria, the other from Langford.
Wilson’s Transportation mothballed its airport shuttle service due to falling demand during the pandemic.
Lucky to Go operates in Kelowna and Victoria and has plans to start serving Metro Vancouver soon, Rana said.
Rod Hunchak, director of business development for the Victoria Airport Authority, welcomed the new service. “As air travel continues to rebound and we see more passengers at YYJ, we are excited to offer new ground transportation options for travellers,” he said.
To hail a ride, passengers can download the Lucky to Go Ride & Delivery app at luckytogo canada.com, enter the destination, view the estimated fare and pay. Riders can choose a vehicle type, track their driver in real-time and receive digital receipts. Rides can also be booked on the company’s website if a customer does not have a smartphone.
To book the shuttle service, go to luckytogocanada.com/shuttle.php. Pickup locations include Mayfair Shopping Centre, Royal Oak Exchange, Uptown, Victoria Conference Centre and the airport.
