Uber 'really pleased' with launch in Tauranga, expects demand to ramp up

Mount Maunganui woman Bridgette Irwin was preparing for her first shift on the road as an Uber driver yesterday. Photo / File

Tourists and locals in Tauranga opened the Uber app yesterday afternoon to find several mini car icons making their way around the city for the first time.

At 12pm, Tauranga became New Zealand's fifth city to launch the ride-sharing app behind Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton.

An Uber spokeswoman said they were "really pleased" by the response from both riders and driver-partners, "and our first day is off to a great start".

"We expect demand will ramp up over the weekend when people ditch their keys and look for a safe, reliable and affordable way to get around Tauranga, including after a few drinks."

The spokeswoman said the company did not release specific trip numbers but overall it was happy with how Tauranga had responded to Uber.

Mount Maunganui woman Bridgette Irwin was one of the drivers to sign up to the service and was ready for her first shift on the road with Uber yesterday.

Irwin was planning on working from 9pm-4am.

She had been running her own driving service for the past 12 months and was looking forward to using the Uber model.

"I am a people person so I will enjoy it. [It will be] better without all the cash handling drama you usually get – people not having enough cash, or being too drunk to work Eftpos or a money machine."

Irwin said there was also a reduced risk of drivers being robbed as they did not have to carry cash.

"Wherever there are tourists, night clubs and bars there is always going to be a demand for taxis or Uber. People need to get home safely and Uber is a more affordable way."

She said when she looked on the app yesterday afternoon there were seven Uber drivers active in Tauranga.

"That's pretty cool as you can see them moving so some must be driving. Looks like [they are] all at the Mount right now and only one at Tauranga, I'm guessing catching the tourists."

How to use the Uber app

1. Download Uber from the App or Android Store
2. Register with Uber in the app by providing a mobile phone number and credit card, debit card or PayPal details for cashless payment
3. Type in the address or name of your destination in the Where To? search box
4. Check the upfront fare estimate to ensure you're happy with the price of the fare before requesting
5. Request the trip and await pick-up from your departure location (you'll see an estimated wait time in the app)
6. Check the licence plate number, car colour and name of your driver match the details provided in the app
7. As you open the door ask the driver to confirm their first name before starting a trip
8. Enjoy your journey and safely exit the car upon your arrival
9. Give your driver a rating out of five after the trip to help keep everyone accountable (they'll do the same for you)