RIDESHARING company Uber has big plans to hit the Whitsunday streets this winter.
Uber is the largest ridesharing company worldwide with more than 150m monthly active users and 6m active drivers and couriers.
The service offers both locals and tourists ‘a fresh way to zip around town, while giving drivers the chance to earn some extra cash along the way’ according to a statement issued last week.
Uber ANZ managing director Emma Foley said it could happen as early as July, subject to take-up by drivers.
“We’re aiming to launch the service at the start of July, when we have onboarded driver-partners and they are ready to start offering trips,” Ms Foley said.
Since its launch in Australia, in 2012, Uber has grown in popularity and now has more than 3.8m people using the ridesharing app.
Uber plans to complement the existing transport mix across peak periods, such as at the weekend and during the busy tourism season.
Ms Foley said the Whitsundays had been asking for Uber ‘for years’.
“For years, Whitsundays locals have requested Uber’s services to get from A to B at the click of a button,” she said.
“We’re excited to launch our ridesharing offering across Whitsundays this winter, providing a safe and convenient transport solution to travel to any destination, whether that’s a local running errands, or for a tourist visiting local attractions.
“What’s more, locals can lean into the demand for Uber convenient travel by signing up to drive and offer trips themselves.
“With the complete flexibility to drive as and when it suits them, driving with Uber will be a welcome option for many in the Whitsundays, keen to make some extra cash.”
Whitsundays Mayor Ry Collins has welcomed the upcoming launch.
“We know many of our residents have long requested another transport option to get from A to B, so I was excited to hear of Uber’s plans to launch here in the Whitsundays.” he said.
“Any business that makes the lives of locals easier, while offering another earning opportunity, is certainly welcomed in the Whitsundays. It is an exciting development for our community.”
Whitsunday Regional Council’s director of commercial businesses Craig Turner said Uber would alleviate pressure during busy periods.
“Incorporating Uber as a transportation service will not only address the demands of peak hours – particularly during the busy nightlife period, in Airlie Beach – but it will also alleviate pressure during periods of heightened visitation to the Whitsundays,” he said.
