New rural ride-share program expands safe transportation options in PEI
A new rural ride-share pilot program will increase the availability of local evening and late-night transportation options in rural communities across PEI.
The Kari Rural Ride-Share Pilot Program, delivered in partnership with the PEI Liquor Control Commission (PEILCC), aims to support responsible alcohol consumption and enhance rural community safety by reducing impaired driving.
Beginning this summer, Kari ride-share drivers will be scheduled in select communities during evenings and weekends, with service hours varying based on local needs. Drivers will operate from designated regional base locations, providing convenient, on-demand transportation options for residents and visitors during the scheduled timeframe.
The following communities are proposed as regional base locations:
- Souris
- Morell
- Eldon
- North Rustico
- Crapaud
- Kensington
- Richmond
- O’leary
- Tignish
Drivers will not be deployed in urban communities, or in communities that already have existing taxi services.
To help ensure people are aware of service availability in the selected communities, the program will be promoted through PEILCC and Kari social media channels, as well as through the Kari mobile app.
The program will run as a six-month pilot. Ongoing monitoring to assess community needs and program effectiveness will inform next steps.
Recruitment for rural drivers will begin immediately, with phased operations beginning early June and expanding across the Island over the summer. Interested drivers can visit meetKari.com/rural to learn more.
Quotes:
“This program will provide an easy, on-demand option to make that call for a safe ride home from a driver within your community. I believe it is important that we better support the businesses, residents, and visitors in those rural areas with limited or no late-night transportation options as part of our broader commitment to strengthening social responsibility.”
- Minister of Finance and Affordability Jill Burridge
“This rural ride-share program puts communities first by offering flexible service that supports safer choices, strengthens social responsibility, and helps keep Islanders connected and safe.”
- Daniel MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, PEILCC
"Rural Islanders deserve the same access to safe transportation as anyone else, and this pilot program is a meaningful step toward making that a reality. We're proud to partner with the PEILCC to put drivers in communities that have traditionally had few options for getting home safely at night."
- Matt MacLeod, Co-Founder, Kari
Media contact:
Janice Fogarty
Department of Finance and Affordability
jefogarty@gov.pe.ca