Pokemon Go players can now hire Winnipeg drivers

WINNIPEG — In the wake of the new virtual reality craze, Pokemon Go, drivers across Winnipeg are cashing in on the game.

The app was officially released in Canada Sunday, and listings for Pokemon Go chauffeurs have popped up on Kijiji in Winnipeg, offering to drive players across the city for a price.

For a fee, a Pokemon driver will chauffeur players around their city, visiting known good spots for collecting characters.

READ MORE: From private drivers to betting rings: Weird ways people are capitalizing on Pokemon Go

For $20 an hour, Winnipegger Carly Dunlop will pick you up at your house (or any other location) and drive you around so you can hunt your Pokemon characters safely and more efficiently.

“I love the game, it’s so much fun. I want everyone to be able to play safely, without getting hurt or getting a ticket,” Dunlop said.

Dunlop said she has gotten a few inquires but hasn’t been hired yet.

“There’s some hesitation that a stranger is driving you around,” she said. “I’m hoping that as the game grows in popularity that people will call and take me up on my services.”

“Twenty dollars an hour is better than a $400 ticket for distracted driving” Dunlop added.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Twenty dollars an hour is better than a $400 ticket for distracted driving" Dunlop added.

READ MORE: Winnipeg police keeping eye on Pokémon Go players

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There are other posted advertisements on Kijiji in Winnipeg offering driving services. The going rate seems to average at $20 an hour, and most services offer to pick you up and let you use power bar converters for phones.

WATCH: Pokemon Go takes Winnipeg by storm 

1:21 Pokemon Go takes Winnipeg by storm

Police offer safety tips

The popularity of Pokemon Go has triggered Winnipeg police and Manitoba RCMP to issue safety warnings, reminding players not to game and drive.

In Quebec City, police said two officers suffered minor injuries when a car they observed driving strangely reversed into their cruiser in a parking lot.

“The driver said ‘I’m sorry, I was playing Pokemon Go,” said Const. Nancy Roussel, who said police are calling on players to be aware of their surroundings.

With files from the Canadian Press