is a ride-sharing service that allows customers to use a smartphone app to get a ride from one place to another. And starting today -- people can use the service in the Las Vegas area, Reno and Carson City.
Uber started more than four years ago, in San Francisco and now they're in 40 countries around the world. Officials with the company say it offers a safe way for people to get home and also job opportunities.
"I've only been here about 2.5 years but it's pretty easy to get around."
Wyllie Humphreys is Reno's first partner driver with Uber -- using his personal car to give people rides. It gives him income that he otherwise wouldn't have.
"I got laid off about two months ago, so I was looking to fill in the gaps, doing some side jobs and this is one that fits in nicely."
In order to use the service customers have to download the Uber app. They submit information like their phone number, email address, and credit card information. Then they're ready to go.
"Part of the Uber experience is a seamless one in which no cash is exchanged. No money trades hands. It's all done via the app."
The app estimates how far away the driver is and the range it will cost to get from point A to point B.
"We are not a taxi company. We are a technology platform that connects riders in search of safe, reliable rides with the nearest driver on the road,” says Michael Amodeo, Uber spokesperson.
Uber requires drivers to pass a background check and their car can't be any older than a 2005 model. It has to have four doors and pass an inspection to be qualified.
While it may not be a taxi service it does mean competition to established cab companies.
"Competition, in itself, has the effect of lifting the standards and the quality of service for everyone across the board."
Some say it offers a simple alternative.
"If I ever need a ride to or from, if my car won't start or I just need a ride, last minute if I'm running late. And also for my friends, like after football games,” says Millie Carro, University of Nevada student.
Shawn Plunket is a bar and restaurant owner.
He says the most important part of Uber coming to town is that it is another way to get people home safely, after drinking alcohol.
"I see it all the time. People don't know their limits…The more options, the better, in my opinion. The more options the better to get people home safe, without DUIs or any fatalities."
Uber conducted a study in Seattle to find out what kind of impact they have on driving drunk and what they found is that after they moved into that city, there was a 10% drop in DUIs.
Transportation officials say people should use caution while using unlicensed transportation providers because they are not regulated by the state.
Some companies may not necessarily require criminal background checks, mandatory insurance requirements or mechanical safety inspections.
Important information for Nevada consumers about unlicensed transportation providers
Las Vegas, NV- Department of Business and Industry transportation officials are cautioning the riding public about potential pitfalls of utilizing unregulated transportation services. Existing statutes and regulations include provisions to ensure public safety which require measures including criminal background checks, mandatory insurance requirements, and comprehensive mechanical safety inspections along with publicly approved non-predatory fares.
Consumers should be aware of the following before engaging the services of an unlicensed for-hire transportation provider, including unregulated transportation technology companies:
• The company may not have performed comprehensive criminal background and driver history checks along with medical clearance and permit testing. The company may not have done mandatory or random drug testing of its drivers.
• Fares are not regulated and, therefore, can be subject to change at any time, at the company's discretion.
• Drivers and vehicles may be uninsured which can put passengers and accident victims at financial risk should an accident and subsequent injuries occur. The Nevada Division of Insurance recommends passengers who do engage the service of a transportation technology company ask to see proof of a commercial insurance policy before accepting a ride.
• Any person providing for-hire transportation is required to obtain a state business license in addition to business licenses in the local jurisdictions where they operate.
• Consumers have no regulatory avenue to file a complaint for resolution and may be required to file civil action or be subjected to costly arbitration proceedings.
• Every vehicle in the fleets of a licensed transportation provider is subject to safety inspection and certification. Mandatory maintenance logs must be kept and available for review by authorities. The same level of assurance cannot be provided by companies that are not subject to the same level of regulation.
• Transportation technology companies may require consumers to agree to lengthy terms and conditions prior to engaging their service which may include signing a waiver to release the company from all liability claims, causes of action or damages resulting in the use of the app or the conduct of the driver.
• Under the existing regulatory framework, transportation enforcement officials are required by law to impound the vehicle of any unlicensed for-hire transportation provider. Passengers are subject to the potential inconvenience that may result in the disruption of service (NRS 706.476 and 706.88395)
• All Nevada regulated carriers are required to prominently display a state issued medallion or CPCN number on each vehicle.
