A new ride-hailing service has been given the green light to operate on southern Vancouver Island.

Lucky to Go was approved to operate last week by the province and the company plans to have vehicles on the road in the Greater Victoria region by mid-May.

According to owner Mandeep Rana, the company already has drivers ready to roll out and once all criminal background checks and insurance logistics have been completed the fleet will be mobile.

It is the second ride-hailing company to be approved to operate in the Greater Victoria region but will be the first to do so. The first company to be approved, Kabu Ride, has not yet expanded its operations outside of Vancouver.

Rana said it is also the first ride-hailing company to be endorsed by the B.C. Taxi Association, meaning customers can use the app to choose a private vehicle or a local cab company.

"Our point is rather than competing, we can work together. If it works in their interest, they are more than welcome to join us," Rana said Monday on CBC's On The Island.

The app, which features a horseshoe image, allows users to track where the driver is in real time while waiting to be picked up. (Facebook/Lucky to Go Canada)

Customers will need to download the Lucky To Go app on their phone to book rides. Once a ride is booked, users can track where the driver is in real time on the app until the vehicle arrives.

Rides can also be booked on the company's website if a customer does not have a smartphone.

Rana said it is a challenging time to launch as the COVID-19 pandemic means tourism is at a standstill but he hopes the app will help people who are still commuting to work during the health crisis.

"We will play it by the ear as it goes," he said. "Primarily, our clientele will be everybody who is local."

Rana said the company is still working with health officials to find out how best to protect drivers and passengers from the virus.

To hear the complete interview with Mandeep Rana on On The Island, tap the audio link below: