Citing fallout from the pandemic, Kelowna-based Current Taxi is pulling its vehicles from the Victoria market.
In a note to customers, the service, which got approval to start operating in Victoria in the fall of 2019, said it will cease operations on June 28.
鈥淭he effect this pandemic has had on our business over the past 15 months has been substantial,鈥� the company said. 鈥淭his is an unfortunate outcome, especially for the amazing people that we鈥檝e had working with us in Victoria. This closure is in no way a reflection of their efforts, or our love for our beautiful capital city.鈥�
The company said it would hold onto the licences it has to operate 15 taxis in Victoria with a hope of returning when tourism and employment markets recover.
When Current hit Victoria in 2019 it promoted itself as the first Canadian, all-electric taxi company.
Victoria鈥檚 existing taxi companies were not pleased when Current first applied to the Passenger Transportation Board for its licence. There were nine submissions from competing firms, including Victoria Taxi, Bluebird Taxi and Yellow Cab, arguing there was no public need for additional taxis, especially given the imminent arrival of ride-hailing apps.
