Uber launches in Tauranga

Ridesharing giant Uber is making a move into the regions, launching in Tauranga next week.

Currently the company only operates in main centres like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with Hamilton coming online this week.

Uber spokeswoman Nicky Preston told the Bay of Plenty Times it is “very excited” to launch in Tauranga on February 1.

“We know Tauranga has been calling out for ridesharing for a while now, and we’re excited to respond to that demand,” she says.

Dozens of drivers were signed up in the area, she says.

“It’s a great opportunity for locals to earn flexible income, driving during peak travel periods and major events.”

However, Taxi Cabs Tauranga spokesman Bruce Rainey says he believes Uber drivers may “struggle” to make a decent income in Tauranga.

Being a smaller region, the length of the ride would be shorter, he says.