Leongatha gets Uber as rideshare service switches on
Uber’s Leongatha zone also takes in Korumburra, Mirboo North and Inverloch, one of 15 regional Victorian centres added to the service.
LEONGATHA locals can now book an Uber after the rideshare giant switched on its service in the town and 14 other regional Victorian centres yesterday.
Uber’s Leongatha zone also takes in Korumburra, Mirboo North and Inverloch, giving residents across those towns another way to get around.
The launch follows Uber’s push to recruit local driver partners in August ahead of the rollout.
The other new Victorian centres are Wangaratta, Bairnsdale, Sale, Maffra, Colac, Numurkah, Castlemaine, Kyabram, Mansfield, Lakes Entrance, Portland, Swan Hill, Benalla and Hamilton.
Uber said the Victorian expansion followed its launch in 33 new towns and cities across NSW and WA, with Uber rides in regional towns growing four times faster than in the nation’s five largest cities.
Uber Australia and New Zealand managing director Emma Foley said the service would give locals a new way to get around while opening up flexible earning opportunities.
“Regional Victoria is known for its stunning landscapes, from the Murray River to the rich farmlands of Gippsland, and it’s the vibrant communities that truly define it,” Ms Foley said.
“People are balancing work, family, social plans and everything in between, and by expanding Uber to these 15 towns, we’re offering a new way for locals to get around, unlocking a new flexible earning opportunity, and supporting thriving regional tourism.”
Uber said driver availability would steadily build over the coming weeks as more driver partners joined the platform, and riders were encouraged to allow a little extra travel time during peak periods while the service ramps up.
The company said the service would complement existing transport options, with its UberX service available for everyday rides.
Riders are matched with accredited drivers who must hold authorisations for ridesharing, and they can turn on an optional four-digit PIN to make sure they are getting into the right vehicle.
Every trip is GPS tracked and can be shared in real time with family and friends through the Share My Trip feature, while riders can leave a rating or report any issue in the app.
Eligible Victorian Seniors Card and Seniors Savers Card holders can get 50 per cent off their first five rides as new riders, up to $15 a trip, and 5 per cent off ongoing rides, up to $5 a trip.
Uber is still looking for drivers in all 15 new centres, with sign-ups online at uber.com/drive.
