Ride-Sharing Service Uber Launches in Roanoke

The ride-sharing service Uber has launched in Roanoke and Blacksburg, Virginia as part of a larger roll-out of the service in college towns across the nation.

Mainly operating in large metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C. and New York City, Uber connects normal drivers with those needing a ride – basically a taxi service using the drivers and cars already on the road. Uber users use an app on their smartphone to locate the nearest available ride via GPS. 

The Virginia government paved the way for the expansion of the service in the state by reaching an agreement with the company earlier in the month, allowing the company to operate in the Commonwealth under a specific set of rules. 

Services like Uber and Lyft – both smartphone based, ride-sharing services – are rapidly gaining popularity with younger and more technology savvy clients who prefer to hail a ride with the push of a button as oppose to calling a cab service or waving their arms from the curb. Plus, Uber advertises rates that are up to 30 percent lower than traditional taxi services. 

As part of the launch, Uber will be offering free rides to users through Sept. 1. 

For more on the launch of the service and it’s implications on the region, see this story via the Roanoke Times.