Ashton Marra Published

Uber Opens its Doors in West Virginia

Listen

Ride-sharing company Uber is now officially operating in two West Virginia cities. The company opened up shop in Charleston and Morgantown on Tuesday.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and Governor Earl Ray Tomblin took the first Uber ride in West Virginia Tuesday. They rode from the Capitol Market to the state Capitol to celebrate the service’s opening in the state.

“I think it’s a great service,” Tomblin said, “It’s going to create some jobs out there for those drivers out there and help people coming into town that needs transportation around.”

The ride-sharing service is the result of two years of legislative effort. Lawmakers finally approved the bill during the 2016 legislative session.

The law requires a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks.

“The great thing is, if you talk to the drivers,” Manchin said, “…this is extra income; extra opportunities for their families… They can work their own time; they can work wherever they want to work, and it’s unbelievable to be your own boss and have this additional opportunity for income.”

As of Tuesday, Uber rides can be digitally hailed in Charleston and Morgantown. The app is expected to be up and running in Huntington within a month before expanding to other West Virginia cities.