UberX Gives Millionth Ride in Philadelphia

UberX just celebrated a major milestone – it’s millionth ride provided in Philadelphia, where it launched service in October. The ride-sharing service is considered an illegal taxi operation by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. While UberX was awarded a conditional two-year contract to provide services throughout Pennsylvania, Philadelphia was specifically excluded from the deal. The city has combated UberX’s presence by fining drivers and impounding their cars. While Uber, the black-car service regulated by state rules, has been legal in the state since 2012, the ride-sharing service (which connects drivers and riders through a smartphone app) is not.

Uber is an alternative to traditional taxi services.

Philadelphians continue to blithely use UberX’s services despite the fact that the city cites safety concerns as an ongoing excuse for their illegality. Uber, the company, claims that their presence in the city actually provides greater safety for passengers, as well as increased economic opportunity. Ride requests are peaking with DUI fatalities at their highest. The company says that, by providing safe and reliable transportation, they are a great and affordable alternative to drivers hitting the road while impaired. Since Uber launched in Philadelphia in 2012, DUI arrests throughout the city have decreased by 11.5% (as per the Pennsylvania State Police Uniform Crime Reporting System).

Nationwide UberX brings on more than a thousand new drivers each month. According to a report drivers have earned over $9 million in the last six months. It’s believed that the company will bring in over $50 million by the end of 2015. Proudly defiant, Uber released a statement that they are looking forward to the “next million rides” in the city of Philadelphia.