MUNCIE – Uber is here. Its drivers, not so much.
The app-based ridesharing service — which allows users to make ride requests, then agree to their price, destination and pickup time from their phone — launched earlier this week in the Muncie area.
The company began in 2009 as a professional car service, then expanded into ridesharing and increased its presence in markets like New York City, San Francisco and London. Muncie is one of more than 200 cities Uber operates in across 55 countries, according to its website.
“You could technically start using Uber today if you wanted,” company spokesperson Lauren Altmin said. “We partner with thousands of drivers in our Indianapolis market. I can’t really say how many are in (Muncie), but we have quite a few across the Indy area.”
Based on a search by The Star Press for Muncie-area drivers Thursday, there didn’t appear to be any. At least, not yet.
The company allows anyone who signs up online to be a driver, assuming he or she has a valid license, a vehicle, a safe driving record and the ability to pass a background check, according to Uber’s website.
Despite the apparent lack of Muncie drivers so far, Uber plans to serve as a carpooling alternative at Muncie Gras this weekend, even offering a $20 discount on people’s first trip if they use the MUNCIEGRAS15 promo-code.