Uber has changed the way people get where they need to go, offering safe and reliable transportation to millions around the world at the tap of a button. We’re proud of our global impact, but it’s the transformation we’ve seen at a local level, in communities like Tampa Bay, that’s really at the heart of what we do.
It was through local, entrepreneurially-minded driver-partners that Uber was first introduced to Tampa Bay back in April 2014. In the following months, hard-working Floridian men and women provided over 1 million rides to their community, all while setting their own schedule and driving wherever is most convenient for them. The flexibility and income opportunities provided by the Uber platform has been an absolute game changer for our partners in Tampa Bay. In fact, there are over 2,000 Tampa Bay driver-partners who have taken home, as a group, more than $10 million so far!
“I’m a veteran who lives on disability. I can’t walk or stand for long periods of time. The only thing I can do with ease is drive,” says Tim, a Tampa Bay driver-partner. “Working with Uber has helped me ease the pressure of only having a government check to pay bills, and it gets me out into the world to talk with people. I really hope [Uber] never leaves Florida.”
“I went from being unemployed and getting assistance from the great state of Florida to no longer being a burden and becoming a taxpayer,” says Bruce, another Tampa Bay partner. “I know I help many people get home safely after drinking, many who may have chosen to drive drunk if it wasn’t for Uber’s very reasonable rates.”
Uber is proud to be a part of getting the Tampa Bay community home safely. Providing an affordable and reliable ride at the touch of a button gives Tampa Bay residents an easy choice to make at the end of the night, and our numbers show that thousands are making the right decision.
Darlene, a “middle-aged, single mom of a teen,” is another Tampa Bay partner who is grateful for the opportunity to be her own boss. “‘Falling’ back into a new job was not nearly as easy as I thought it would be,” Darlene said. “I can honestly say that this opportunity [with Uber] has saved me. Not only are we providing a much-needed safe service, but Uber is a staple for people without vehicles who love and appreciate the affordability.”
“I love Uber. I love being a driver. It’s a win/win for everyone!”
Because of Uber’s rapid expansion across the country and the globe, Uber riders have a growing expectation to be able to request a car wherever they may be traveling. Tampa Bay driver-partners, in particular, have seen a huge influx of demand from all over the globe. We are thrilled to be able to provide the same seamless Uber experience in Tampa Bay that those riders would get at home, wherever that may be.
Uber Tampa Bay is getting college kids home safe after an epic night with their friends, it’s allowing young professionals to ditch their expensive car payments and fuel bills, it’s providing some semblance of familiarity for homesick travelers, and it’s creating unprecedented economic opportunities for thousands of partners like Darlene, Bruce, and Tim. That’s what the Uber platform is all about—and as Darlene would say, “It’s a win/win for everyone.”