In Little Rock, the ride-sharing service Uber is at odds with the city council. Uber is available in 46 countries and 222 cities worldwide.
On Nov. 6, Uber announced on its website that the service is “ready to roll” in Little Rock. According to THV11, Little Rock’s CBS affiliate, the city has written but not yet passed an ordinance allowing Uber to operate in the city.
Part of Uber’s blog and press release reads: “Your Little Rock city board members are taking steps toward finding a permanent home for new technologies like ride-sharing. Much like we do in every other city in which we operate, we hope to continue to work with them in ensuring that this ordinance is in the best interest of Little Rock riders and drivers.”
Uber acknowledges that the city has not passed the ordinance but currently still offers its ride-sharing serving in Little Rock, with a perk. The first 10 UberX rides for every Uber user are free through Nov. 14.
In a note shared with THV11 Little Rock’s city attorney Thomas Carpenter was quoted saying that the city council is aware that Uber has operated their service in other cities without ordinances as well and has paid the fine for their customers, including in Fayetteville.
“They do not have a permit,” Carpenter said. “They cannot legally operate without a permit. This is not an unusual step for Uber around the country, or in Arkansas. In Fayetteville, they did the same thing and are being fined. In some instances, Uber has paid the fine for its drivers.”
Breana Clark, a recent Harding graduate, said she likes that Uber’s website provides an estimated service charge.
“Because I’m unaccustomed to using taxis, I’m always afraid I’ll be ripped off,” Clark said.
Uber also offers a first-time user promotional code that covers the cost of the service, according to Clark.
“For me, the benefits become a no-brainer when you can get across a town you’re unfamiliar with at half the cost,” Clark said.
