Uber has today announced the expansion of its ridesharing service in South Australia, giving locals, tourists and sports fans access to Uber rides in the Barossa, Adelaide Plains and Light region, just in time for this year’s inaugural festival of footy – Gather Round . 

Since launching in Adelaide in 2016, Uber has provided earning opportunities to tens of thousands of local driver partners, and helped people across the metro area access safe and affordable rides at the touch of a button. Uber has also helped riders from over 110 countries get from A to B within South Australia, with the top three visiting international travellers being from the US, the UK and New Zealand. 

The expansion follows recent changes by the Malinauskas Government that removed the requirement for separate accreditation to operate outside of metro Adelaide. Since the reform, Uber has received consistent feedback from riders and driver partners calling for broader access across the state.

Emma Foley, Managing Director for Uber in Australia and New Zealand said, “We’ve heard the calls from communities across South Australia asking for greater access to ridesharing, and are excited to officially expand our footprint to Barossa, Adelaide Plains and Light region. Rideshare options support both locals and visitors alike with more flexible, reliable and convenient transport options, and we’re pleased to have arrived just in time for one of the state’s biggest tourism events.”

Uber driver partner Oscar welcomed the announcement, saying, “Many riders have been asking when Uber would expand to regional South Australia, so it’s great to see it finally happening. With Gather Round bringing in thousands of footy fans and tourists, the demand for safe, reliable transport is huge. I’m excited to start offering trips to places like the Barossa Valley – whether it’s getting people to their favourite wineries or to the footy without the hassle of driving. And for drivers like me, it means more flexibility and more earning opportunities.”

To help manage demand during the launch phase, Uber is encouraging riders to plan ahead using Uber Reserve, which allows users to schedule a ride up to 90 days in advance. While on-demand trips will also be available, wait times may vary initially as more driver partners sign up in the region.

The expansion also creates new earning opportunities for locals looking for flexible ways to make extra money by driving with Uber. 

This move is part of Uber’s commitment to improving access to transport, boosting local tourism, and supporting communities across Australia.