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Uber coming to Youngstown
By Kalea Hall
YOUNGSTOWN
Uber is coming to Youngstown.
The San Francisco-based transportation network will launch its Youngstown service at 5 p.m. today in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
“We have been looking at Youngstown for quite some time,” said Lauren Altmin, Uber spokeswoman. “We look at what supply and demand look like.”
Uber is a smartphone application that allows those with Uber accounts to push a button and get a ride, Altmin explained.
The service is available in many metropolitan areas across Ohio including Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and now, Youngstown.
Uber is in 479 cities worldwide.
“It is certainly something that most of our residents and in the county have been waiting to have happen,” Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally said. “I think the demand for it will be utilized.”
Sarah Boyarko, senior vice president of economic development for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, sees the service providing a variety of benefits to the area including creating a healthy level of competition with other similar businesses and additional employment opportunities for potential drivers.
“It certainly is a well-liked service in larger metro areas,” she said.
State Rep. John Boccieri of Poland, D-59th, was also happy to hear of Uber’s decision to offer its services in the Youngstown area.
“Having Uber in Youngstown can mean a lot to various people in our community. Ride sharing for professional, personal or economic use makes sense,” Boccieri said in a statement.
“I’ve used Uber to travel in other parts of the U.S., and I think this service could mean that we see fewer drunken-driving incidents and a lot more seniors being able to get to community functions and doctor’s appointments.”
Brian Bleggi, owner of Austintown-based A-Cab, said he wishes Uber the best here.
“I hope they do well,” Bleggi said.
The Youngstown area already has several drivers signed up for Uber. Other potential drivers will be screened before they can offer service on the Uber platform.
Those interested in driving with Uber should visit its website at www.uber.com/drive/.
For new users, enter the promo code “Youngstown16” into your app for a free first ride, up to $15. The offer expires Aug. 23.