The service comes at a pivotal time for transport in Wānaka, with the war in Iran driving up the cost of fuel and no public transport service in the area.
A media release from the ride-sharing giant said that the service would bring benefits for locals while providing a ‘‘simple and familiar way [for tourists] to travel between accommodation, hospitality venues and local attractions, like the iconic Wānaka willow tree’’.
The launch of the service followed a significant recruitment drive, with Uber extolling the virtues of the service not just for customers, but for residents looking for flexible forms of work in the town.
Speaking following the launch of the recruitment drive in March, Queenstown Lakes District Council deputy mayor Quentin Smith described Uber’s arrival as a ‘‘step in the right direction for the town’’.
‘‘It provides a flexible, on-demand service for transport beyond private vehicles, which we’re desperately in need of,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s not public transport, but it’s a step in the right direction.’’
Demand for taxi services in Wānaka is volatile due to the seasonality of tourism, which leaves locals and tourists vulnerable to price gouging by cowboy operators.’’
Complaints on social media about fares charged by out-of-town taxi companies have become a tradition at New Year; users reported fares of $450 for the 15-minute drive from the Rhythm and Alps festival back into Wānaka this year.
Cr Smith said he hoped Uber could help to alleviate this issue.
‘‘Cowboy taxi operators overcharging during the New Year period has been a massive problem and hopefully this will go some way to controlling it.
‘‘One thing it’s important to acknowledge is that the Wānaka operators — WanaTaxi, Yello Taxis and Tuk Tuk Taxis have been good operators — and I’m sure they will continue to be.’’
