Founded in 2009, the ride-sharing service connects drivers to customers seeking a ride through a smartphone application.
Uber officially launched in San Francisco in 2010 and has since expanded globally.
East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett said ride-sharing, which Uber facilitates, and taxi cabs are distinctly different.
“Our residents always benefit from having more transportation options available,” Triplett said.
As the service has expanded to major cities around the world, it has not been met without contention. Cities across Europe, from London to Berlin, had traffic stopped in June as taxi drivers protested the application, Bloomberg News reported.
The company has made it possible for anyone to sign up to be a driver after passing a background check. To be an Uber driver, the person needs to have a 4-door vehicle in excellent condition.
Triplett said the technology is relatively new and the city is working on developing appropriate regulations.
Royal Express Taxi driver Patrick Reynolds said cab drivers have strict regulations in terms of background checks and drug tests.
Due to the requirements for taxi drivers, Reynolds said he has safety concerns with the new service and wants the ride-sharers to have the same regulations.
“I don’t want something to happen to the students – (with Uber) you never know who’s going to come pick you up,” Reynolds said.
Computer science junior Mike Pang said the application provides an opportunity for students looking to make some extra money.
“I like how anyone can sign up and drive with their own car so you don’t need to have a specific taxi car,” Pang said.
Pang added the Uber app is easy for students looking for a ride because everything happens through the app.
“It’s really convenient because there’s no transaction that happens between you and the driver,” Pang said.
In the application, the customer enters their credit card number and money is deducted from their account. There is not an option to leave a tip for the driver.
Uber spokesperson Lauren Altmin said the ride-sharing service is about 15 to 40 percent cheaper than a traditional taxi cab.
“With Uber’s affordability even more users, especially college students looking for affordable transportation options, can rely on Uber for a safe, reliable ride,” Altmin said.
Altmin said to keep the service safe, Uber regularly checks feedback to create a secure and respectful environment for customers.
“Following the trip, riders rate and provide comments about their experience ... and drivers do the same,” Altmin said.
