Uber reports increasing demand in Merced
After having a presence in the Central Valley for more than one year, Uber – the smartphone-based ride service – has seen a dramatic spike in demand in the Merced and Modesto areas.
Uber’s statistics for the area cover the 21st Assembly District, which includes all of Merced County and parts of Stanislaus County, where nearly 100 drivers partner with the company and ridership increased 700 percent in the first year of operation.
“We look forward to continuing to actively invest in the community, strengthen the reliability of the service to meet demand and expand opportunity for those looking for flexible income,” said Laura Zapata, an Uber spokeswoman.
Uber is generally used through its smartphone app or online. A rider selects an available car in the area and sets their pickup location. Riders and drivers can communicate through the app by texting or a phone call. The rider’s credit card is charged a base fee and additional rates based on the duration of the ride or miles traveled. Uber drivers are independent contractors, or “partners.” Drivers choose when they work for Uber, where they offer rides and the riders they serve.
Recently, Uber hired a general manager, Jay Gierak, to focus on expanding the market in the San Joaquin Valley. He was unavailable for comment Friday. In May, Uber celebrated one year in the Valley and opened its first Partner Activation Center in Fresno.
Three traditional taxi services operate in Merced: A-1 Taxi Cab, City Express Taxi Co. (commonly known as Yellow Cab) and Merced Taxi, the city of Merced reported.
Yellow Cab management said the company does not consider Uber competition because the ride-share service differs from a traditional taxi service. Merced Taxi could not be reached for comment.
Uber reported seeing the highest demand for rides beginning at 10 p.m. and especially at 2 a.m., when most bars close.
This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 7:24 PM with the headline "Uber reports increasing demand in Merced."