The former mayor of Cache Creek, who also spent years driving for Greyhound, says the gap in service left when the bus company left Western Canada could be filled by ride sharing companies.

John Ranta says it is frustrating to see the province continue to drag its heels on allowing ride hailing companies like Uber to set up shop in B.C.

He believes ride hailing could go a long way in providing an avenue for inter-city transportation for Interior residents.

“It is a custom service where somebody comes to your door, picks you up, and takes you to your destination,” he said. “That is far better than an inter-city bus service that stops at a bus depot and then drops you off at a bus depot and then you have to make your way to your destination on your own.”

“Ride hailing is long overdue in British Columbia.”

Ranta notes there are some online ride sharing options that have sprung up already where people in the Interior can get a ride with someone if you help cover gas and travel expenses.

The NDP government has promised to throw open the doors to Uber this fall, but critics say there is little likelihood that will happen.