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

From 2pm Bendigo locals will be able to request a safe and convenient ride across town at the press of a button on their smartphone.

They’ll be served by one of around 50 local driver-partners signed up and ready to hit the road from today.

More transport choice for regional Victorians

There are more than one million Victorians benefitting from ridesharing already, and we know it’s time we offered that same choice to Bendigo riders as well.

It’s a choice many in Bendigo want, with some 18,000 people having opened the Uber app in Bendigo to look for a ride this year alone.

We know Bendigo has been underserved by local public transport and it hasn’t always been easy to get around without driving. Our launch is set to take pressure off the system and give residents another way to get from A to B.

It will mean more transport options on weekends, 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.

A new way to make money for locals

Of course, 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 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 Bendigo.

Indeed, we’ve already seen dozens of locals sign up to drive on the Uber app, and believe this figure will only grow in the coming months.

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

Bendigo Foodshare partnership

We’re all about celebrating cities and the people who make them tick. That’s why we’re delighted to support Bendigo Foodshare to mark our launch.

Bendigo Foodshare do great work sourcing surplus food, and distributing it to those in need through charities, schools and community organisations.

We’ll be donating $10 to Bendigo Foodshare for every new rider who signs up to Uber with the code FOODSHARE and takes a first trip between now and 31 December. 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.