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

From 12pm today, locals and visitors in Tauranga will be able to request a safe and convenient ride across town at the press of a button on their smartphone.

They’ll be linked to local driver-partners who have already signed up, received their P endorsement licence and are ready to hit the road.

The first rider to take an Uber in Tauranga was Hon Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga, who was picked up by Uber driver-partner Sue Blincoe.

More transport choice for the Bay of Plenty

There are almost 400,000 Kiwis benefitting from ridesharing already, and we know it’s time we offered that same choice to Tauranga riders as well.

It’s a choice many people want, with around 40,000 people from 76 countries having opened the Uber app in Tauranga to look for a ride.

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

It will mean more transport options on weekends and holidays, when it’s historically been hardest to get a safe and affordable ride home after a few drinks. This is particularly important as we try to encourage Kiwis to ‘ditch the keys’ when enjoying a big day or night out, to make our roads safer.

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.

We expect the opportunity to make extra money driving a few hours here and there will appeal to many in Tauranga.

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.

Launch promotion for riders and drivers

We’re all about celebrating cities and helping people get around them via safe, reliable and affordable transport. We’re offering every new rider who signs up to Uber with the code TGANZ15, $15 off their first ride (code expires 28/2/18 and is not valid on Uber Eats).

If you are interested in a flexible way to earn money, you can register your interest here.