We’re excited to offer a more affordable and reliable way to get around Ballarat with the launch of uberX today.

From 2pm, Ballarat riders will be able to request a safe and convenient ride across town at the press of a button on their mobile phone.

Riders will initially be served by more than 50 local driver-partners, who have signed up and are ready to hit the road from today.

Mayor takes first trip amid strong local backing for launch

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh, welcomed Uber’s arrival and took the first trip in Ballarat.

“The introduction of Uber to Ballarat brings with it new experiences for our city’s residents,” Councillor McIntosh said.

“Uber is not just about transport, it is a business who looks at flexible delivery of a range of services. If we are to be a Smart City, we know we have to the services other major cities have. This is positive step forward for Ballarat.”

The support was echoed by Frank Paton, CEO of Ballarat Innovation.

“The lessons from players in the sharing economy such as Uber, transcend both government and business and will change the way we look at asset management in the future,” Mr Paton said.

“We welcome Uber to Ballarat and look forward to working closely with them as they have so much to offer regional Victoria.”

More transport choice for regional Victoria

There are more than one million Uber riders in Victoria, and we believe it’s time to offer a new choice to the travelling public in Ballarat as well.

It’s a choice we know many in Ballarat are looking for. We’ve already seen around 20,000 people open the Uber app in Ballarat to look for a ride in 2017.

Ballarat has been underserved by local transport options for many years. Today’s launch is all about taking pressure off the system and giving residents and visitors more choice in how they get from A to B.

It will mean more transport options on Friday and Saturday nights, when it’s historically been hardest to get a safe and affordable ride home after a few drinks. This is particularly important as we head into summer and local pubs and bars are at their busiest.

Ballarat riders can download the Uber app for iPhone or Android.

A new way to make money for locals

Today’s launch is not only good for riders, it’s also a win for those keen to make money on their own schedule. With Uber, drivers have complete flexibility to drive as and when it suits them.

In an era of low wage growth, rising cost of living and underemployment, we expect the opportunity to make extra money driving a few hours here and there will appeal to many in Ballarat.

To find out more about driving on the app, please visit Uber.com.

Celebrating the city – share and support the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute

At Uber, we’re all about celebrating cities and the people who make them tick. To mark our launch in Ballarat, we’ll be donating $10 to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute for every new rider who signs up to Uber with the code FECRI and takes a first trip between now and 31 December 2017. Each new rider will also get $20 off their first ride!*

*Promotion valid for new users in Australian cities; expires 31/12/2017; excludes UberEATS.