Uber, the car service that allows riders to have a car pick them up through an online/mobile application, arrived in Burlington Thursday. Uber connects riders with the closest available driver in town. Riders see a photo of the driver, the driver's vehicle make and license plate number, and can even watch the driver on the app's map come towards them.
Uber has been controversial in places because of concerns that it will undermine the local taxi industry, while not meeting the same regulatory requirements that cabbies and their companies must adhere to.
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger has met with Uber representatives and issued this statement Thursday: “Today, after a productive meeting with representatives from Uber, I’m encouraged by the possibility that Uber and its ride-sharing technology platform could improve Burlington’s transportation options. Like everyone else, Uber will have to play by the rules. To that end, I was pleased that Uber expressed a willingness to work with the City on a number of significant regulatory issues, including public safety, consumer protection, and municipal payments. We are exploring whether, as has been done in other communities, the City may be able to enter into an interim operating agreement with Uber that would address Uber’s entry into the market. I look forward to working with the City Council and existing stakeholders to investigate possible paths forward.”
Burlington recently lost one of its taxi companies when the family-owned Benways Taxi, which also operates Yellow Cab, Morf Transit, Airport Taxi and Apollo Limousine Service, closed in July.
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Uber said fares from the Church Street Marketplace to the South End are around $8; University of Vermont to Bank Street are around $9; and Downtown to Burlington International Airport are around $14.Fare split, the cost of the ride with friends, is also available. Uber stated that new and existing users get their first 5 rides FREE (up to $25 each) in Burlington through October 23. http://blog.uber.com/BurlingtonLaunch.