Uber Erie announced Thursday it has expanded to Venango, Forest and Warren counties.
Uber became available across this expanded region at 5 p.m. Thursday, providing access to affordable rides and flexible work opportunities for thousands, according to a press release from Uber Erie.
The San-Francisco-based company says it will also begin operating in Washington, Greene, Westmoreland, Indiana, Armstrong and Butler counties this week. The expansion also includes DuBois, Gettysburg, greater Williamsport, Johnstown and Altoona.
“With this expansion, we’re now covering 93 percent of Pennsylvanians,” said Jennifer Krusius, Uber’s general manager for Pennsylvania expansion.
“Uber is making it possible to push a button and get a ride in minutes, no matter where you are,” Krusius added.
“With students gearing up for the fall semester, we think Uber can also help provide a safe alternative to drunk driving.”
The service allows people to use a smartphone to book and pay for a car service.
As part of the expansion, Uber has lowered fare prices in numerous municipalities including Harrisburg, York and Reading.
Uber has asked that state legislators give ride-hailing services permanent authority to operate statewide.
A bill that would grant such authority passed in the state Senate in November. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports it has since stalled in the House Consumer Affairs Committee amid opposition from Philadelphia taxi cab companies that have lost business to ride-hailing firms.
People can check out Uber’s global FAQ page for more information.