Uber Says It Has Permission to Operate in Vancouver -- Finally

(Bloomberg) -- In the last decade, Uber Technologies Inc. has spread to more than 60 countries, endured a major leadership shake-up and gone public with a valuation of more than $60 billion. But it could never quite win over one feisty Canadian city: Vancouver.

Until now.

After eight years of lobbying, backed by complaints from frustrated tourists and local techies, it looks like Uber will finally begin operating in Canada’s third-biggest city. Vancouver was one of Uber’s first targeted destinations outside the U.S., but provincial authorities quickly kicked them out. Unlike dozens of other places where Uber outmaneuvered local authorities, operating outside of the law until public pressure forced regulators to accommodate them, Vancouver was never swayed.

The licensing tribunal in British Columbia approved the ride sharing service Thursday.

“We received authorization from the passenger transportation board to provide service across Metro Vancouver,” Michael van Hemmen, an Uber spokesman, said at a press conference broadcast by local media. “We expect to be available in the next few days.”

Ride-sharing rival Lyft Inc. was also granted provincial approval. Both firms can operate in the Vancouver area and the ski-resort town of Whistler.

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