Article content

A tech-savvy city worker could be Uber’s next competitor in Ottawa’s licensed ride-ordering market.

Neville Hewage created the oRide app as the city started looking into changing the licensing system that regulates the taxi industry. After a few years working on the technology, he submitted his application in December to the city for a private transportation company licence.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Local app poised to enter ride market dominated by Uber and taxis Back to video

If approved, it would be only the second PTC licence issued by the City of Ottawa.

So how is a local ride-ordering outfit going to take on an international behemoth like Uber?

“We’re not going to compete with Uber,” Hewage said in an interview. “oRide is trying to build its own brand.”

Hewage is sweetening the pot for people considering to drive for Uber. The oRide app will take 15 per cent of the fare, compared with the 25 per cent commission Uber takes from its drivers.

On the other hand, unlike Uber, customers who order a driver through the oRide app will pay a minimum fare of $8. Hewage said the oRide rates for long distances will be cheaper than Uber’s.