This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Uber ride-hailing service is launching a first-in-the-nation service in Utah, called uberSKI.
Beginning Saturday, it will offer rides in cars that have all-wheel drive and the ability to carry skis and snowboards. The company says it will offer service to all major ski resorts along the Wasatch Front.
The company says the service is available by clicking on the uberSKI icon on its smartphone app.
It is offering some giveaways on Saturday as it launches the service. Some riders will be given up to $500 in Uber credit, $100 Liftopia gift cards or a backcountry prize with gear, apparel and a $500 gift card.
Uber provides a smartphone app to connect riders with nearby drivers who use their own cars. Riders can see how others have rated the driver, what they will charge and when they will arrive. Drivers, in turn, can see how colleagues have rated the rider. All payments are made via online app.
Ride-hailing companies say they perform background checks on drivers, and they usually provide $1 million in insurance.
Such companies keep 20 percent of each fare, but maintain that the driver is the one providing the service.
— Lee Davidson