San Francisco-based Uber has been operating in this country for four years and has about 5000 registered drivers, although its New Zealand enterprise has been restricted to four North Island cities and Christchurch.
Late last month, the company announced it was expanding into Otago and began advertising for drivers.
Uber spokeswoman Nicky Preston said yesterday she was ``very impressed'' by the number of locals who had signed up.
About 80 people had applied to attend an information session at the Hutton Theatre in Dunedin tonight.
The level of interest from drivers in the Queenstown area was even higher. About 100 people were expected at tomorrow night's session in the tourist town.
Many of the Dunedin drivers who had expressed interest were students, who recognised the operation as a convenient and flexible way to earn some extra income.
Another ``great option'' for students would be Uber's online food delivery service, Uber Eats, Ms Preston said.
Like the ride-sharing operation, Uber Eats was based on a phone app, but the minimum age requirement for deliverers was lower,
at 18.
Before last October, the $2000 cost of obtaining a passenger endorsement, which allows a driver to become a ride-sharing driver, was beyond reach for many.
But government changes to the New Zealand Land Transport Bill meant it now cost $82.70 for a P-endorsement licence, $53 for a vehicle certificate of fitness, plus the cost of a medical check.
Related Stories
Comments
This will be great fro Dunedin and what is even better it appears to be out of the control of Cull and his Greens. This is a stream of employment that Dunedin urgently requires. Best of Luck to the Dunedin Uber drivers.