New ride-sharing app launching in the Sault

New ride-sharing app launching in the Sault A new ride-sharing company in Sault Ste. Marie will start taking fares on Canada Day with its app. Mike McDonald reports.

Sault Ste. Marie will soon have another transportation option, as a new, locally-owned, ride-sharing company is set to launch next month.

EZ Ride will be only the second ride-sharing company to operate in the Sault, alongside fellow Northern Ontario-based company Uride.

Chris Morris, president of EZ Ride, said he’s launching the ride-sharing company to fill what he sees as service gaps in the city, specifically those needing a ride in the wee hours of the morning, such as bar and restaurant staff.

Morris said he used mostly local companies in setting up his business, such as N1 Solutions for security protocols, Digital Grounds for app development, and Julio Inc. for website development. However, he said getting insurance for his new venture was something that could not be obtained locally, adding it was the most challenging aspect of launching his business.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, insurance might be reluctant to insure a new ride-sharing company because there is no business or claims history.

Meantime, EZ Ride is set to launch July 1.

Until then, the company said it will continue testing its app to make sure everything is working before picking up its first fare.