BOISE -- There's a new choice in transportation in Boise. It's called Uber. It's a ride-sharing service that has a lot of people excited. But other folks have questions about safety and privacy.
Steve Thompson is the West Coast manager of Uber's launch.
"Over the past few months, we've been listening to thousands of riders and hundreds of drivers who want Uber in Boise," he said. "So Boise asked, Uber listened, and we're bringing Uber here."
Uber starts on your smartphone. People request a ride through an app that connects them with drivers of their own vehicles for hire. You can track the vehicle as it approaches, and once you get to your destination, you walk away. No money or cards change hands; it's all done on the application.
Uber launched in Boise just this week. Many might have questions about safety, considering you're requesting a stranger pick you up in their own car. But Thompson says they vet their drivers.
"Drivers go through rigorous background checks and vehicle inspections," he said. "In addition, every time that you order an Uber, you actually know exactly who your driver is, where they are located, how far away they are from you, and you have an anonymous way to contact them. So before you even get into a ride, you know more about your driver than you ever would getting into a taxi."
There are also questions about privacy, considering you are tracked as you ride. But, Piper Peterson, a medical biller, mom, and Uber driver here in Boise says that actually makes her feel safer.
"Uber is tracking me through my phone," she said. "They have the person's information who is calling the car. I feel pretty safe."
She says she also loves the opportunity to make a couple extra bucks in her spare time.
"I'm always driving kids around everywhere," she said. "I have a couple hours at a time, where I'm sitting in a parking lot waiting for one of my kids to get out of football or dance. I might as well put that time to good use, and make a little extra money."
But is there really a demand for it? Because there isn't an abundance of public transportation in the Boise area, those with Uber believe there's a market here for the system. Thompson also says they won't be putting the bus system or other taxis out of business.
"Uber's not here to replace transportation that exists or replace taxis," he said "We're here to give people more options in Boise. So, now that there's more options of how to get from point A to point B, Uber can be the extension of getting you to the nearest bus line. Or, if you're running late and need to get to where you're going, Uber can help you get all the way to your destination."
In fact, the folks with Uber have been talking to city leaders about how they believe they will not interfere with Boise City Taxi business.
