UBER is coming to Horsham in December.
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Horsham is among the 15 regional cities in Australia where the ride-sharing service, considered an alternative transport option to taxis, will launch in the summer period.
Natalie Malligan, head of cities across Australia and New Zealand at Uber, said the ride-sharing service would provide “another safe and affordable option” for Horsham people. She expects the service will be in high demand on weekends and during major events.
While the service would provide a new option to Horsham residents, Ms Malligan said there was an opportunity for residents to become Uber drivers.
“This also presents a great opportunity for members of the community who want to sign up to earn some extra money, while maintaining flexibility,” she said. “With Uber, you can choose to drive when it suits you, and we hope this will be a welcome option for many.”
In a statement, Uber said more than 3.8 million Australians used the Uber app regularly to share rides. The statement expects another million people in regional cities to access rides “at the touch of a button”.
“The message is clear – people want more options for affordable transport and we’re excited to be able to respond to that demand, with a convenient way to get around, particularly on weekends and during the holidays,” Uber said.
Horsham Taxi Service owner Russell Carter welcomed the announcement but said Uber could impact his business.
He said he had reservations about the ride-sharing services operating in Horsham.
“I am surprised because I don’t think it would work in a town the size of Horsham,” he said. “A lot of our Horsham clients are the elderly and I don’t think they will find an app very convenient.”
Mr Carter said operating a business in a regional town had its challenges and people should be “careful what they wish for”.
“We are a 24-hour service and I don’t think Uber will have enough work to be doing that,” he said.
“Uber will pick up jobs, but we will be there on Christmas Day and Good Friday, doing the work.”
He said clients were guaranteed a highly-regulated service with roadworthy cars and legal drivers via Horsham Taxi Service.
Horsham Rural City Mayor Pam Clarke said introducing Uber to the city would make business difficult for the already established taxi company.
“It is the sign of the times. It’s similar to online shopping, which has hurt the retailers in town, but it’s the way things are going,” she said.
“It will open opportunities for people to run a small business for themselves, but I think it will have an impact on our current taxi service.”
Wimmera Superintendent Paul Margetts said Uber offered an additional service for people to get home safely.
“Any additional capacity is good from a community safety point of view to get people home safely and feel confident in what they are doing,” he said.
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