UBER, an app-based rideshare and taxi company from San Francisco, debuted in State College over the weekend.
State College, UBER driver, Abhik Gandhi is a Penn State Junior. He’s been driving for the company since its launch in State College on Friday.
Gandhi says he picked up 110 fares over the weekend.
“The earnings are really good," says Gandhi, "it’s really fun because you get to meet new people.”
Riders use an app on their smartphone to request an UBER pickup and watch in real time as the car arrives.
Drivers use their personal car to pick up and drop off their customers.
To lure riders to the company, UBER is currently offering State College users 2 free rides.
Meanwhile UBER faces battles in other cities.They’ve been sued for raising prices on high demand days and by taxi and limousine companies who say UBER isn’t following regulations.
Through it all, the company continues to expand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission gave UBER an experimental license for two years that resulted in the expansion to Harrisburg, State College, and anywhere in the state except for Philadelphia.