Rapid expansion of Uber NZ continues with Wellington

Uber NZ is continuing to grow with Uber Wellington now live.

Following a month of testing with hundreds of trips and feedback from riders and drivers, Wellington is the second city in New Zealand where Uber is available and the ninth throughout Australia and NZ. According to Uber, the New Zealand expansion is some of the fastest growth ever seen for the company.

Uber is a ridesharing service used with a smartphone app.  Through the app, you tap to set your pick-up location and request your ride. A driver will accept and enter the address or name of your destination. After you're picked up, Uber shows the driver where to go and you are shown your route and estimated time of arrival.

The app connects passengers and drivers and provides prices up to 20 percent cheaper than a taxi.

"Uber is evolving the way the world moves," the site reads. "By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. From our founding in 2009 to our launches in over 200 cities today, Uber's rapidly expanding global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer.

Mid-range or hybrid vehicles mostly seating up to four people are available.

Drivers have to pass a rigorous screening process. In order to be an UberX driver in Wellington, drivers have to have a P-Endorsement for carrying passengers, a passenger service licence, a private hire service registration, complete an in-person interview and screening, and have a consistently high rating through Uber's real time feedback system.

Councillor Andy Foster, Chair for Transport and Urban Development in Wellington says, "Uber should be a really good fit for Wellington. It originated in San Francisco which has many similarities and connections to Wellington, and as a city we are now actively working on a formal Sister City relationship. Both cities are creative, liberal, tolerant and tech savvy – so Uber should fit in here very nicely.

If you're new to Uber you can download the app and with the code 'TRYUBERWGN' get your first ride free, up to $20.