TappCar takes advantage after Uber and Lyft snub Winnipeg

Edmonton-based TappCar is expected to begin operating in Winnipeg Mar. 1, 2018.

The ridesharing company will be the first of its kind launching in the city once its services become legal next week.

American companies Uber and Lyft had previously expressed interest in serving Winnipeg, but both retracted their intention to operate once Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) set out its mandated insurance premiums for drivers.

READ MORE: MPI ‘confident’ it can find way for Uber, Lyft to come to Manitoba

TappCar is already advertising jobs for drivers in Manitoba, stating its employees can make up to $5,000 per month. Its requirements for drivers in Winnipeg are slightly more lenient than in Alberta, with prospective employees needing to be just 18 years old, not 25 years old as in Edmonton and Calgary.

View image in full screen

TappCar spokesman Pascal Ryffel said Tuesday his company has no problem with the premiums MPI is requiring.

“As a small company, perhaps we’re a little bit more willing to be flexible. Some of these big players, they come into markets – especially medium to smaller markets – and sort of demand that rules be changed to fit with their business plans,” he said.

“We don’t really operate that way.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We don't really operate that way."

READ MORE: Uber threatens to avoid Winnipeg because of MPI regulations

The company bills itself as an alternative to taxis, but also to other ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft.

Customers are able to pay with cash or credit cards, and can book vehicles using an app, online or by phone.

Mayor Brian Bowman has been a vocal supporter of bringing services like Uber and Lyft to Winnipeg, and was disappointed when arrangements didn’t work out.

“I’d like to have more choice in the marketplace,” he said.

“The more options we have in ridesharing services, the better — and I’m going to do whatever I can to facilitate that.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The more options we have in ridesharing services, the better — and I'm going to do whatever I can to facilitate that."

“The sooner we can have more options for taxi service as well as ridesharing, the better. This is a positive development, so I’m pleased,” Bowman said.