Omaha Forums

It looks like Uber, the black car service you can reserve from your smartphone, may be coming to Omaha.

While Omaha isn't listed on the official site yet, an @Uber_Omaha Twitter account appeared on Friday. The description mimics that of the @Uber_Indy and appears to be run by the same person.

The wildly popular service has made waves in the transportation industry in New York City, San Francisco and other major cities.

Silicon Prairie News reached out to Uber officials for confirmation and more information, but has not yet received an official comment.

Coyote wrote:Nay one ever catch a cab on 10th & Farnam?

Silicon Prairie a News wrote:Lyft, the ridesharing service with the pink mustaches on cars, appears to be sniffing out the Omaha and Kansas City markets. Facebook and Craiglist ads for drivers have popped up in recent weeks and now Lyft employees are working out of Think Big Coworking in Kansas City.

Lyft officials so far are mum on the markets, saying they are only "exploring" Kansas City, and testing ads in Omaha and 20 other cities where Lyft isn't operating but interested in exploring. The news comes on the heels of an Omaha Uber Twitter account appearing earlier this month. Uber has not officially announced plans for Omaha.

Adrian Whitsett, KETV wrote: Public Service Commissioner Anne Boyle said Uber and Lyft don’t have the authority to operate in the state.

“We will cite the drivers and we will impound their car,” Boyle said. “They are providing a transportation service for a fee. That is against the law in Nebraska unless you come before the commission.”

lmdramos wrote:I'm pretty sure both Uber and Lyft want to launch quickly. My guess would before the College World Series. Lyft has been very active in discussions and Uber has said they are looking for drivers to "Launch Omaha" while gauging interest in Lincoln. Also, for reading the comments on all of the news stories, it is pretty clear people want theses services, are tired of the taxi monopoly in Omaha, and want to the government to stop stifling these companies.

iamjacobm wrote:

lmdramos wrote:I'm pretty sure both Uber and Lyft want to launch quickly. My guess would before the College World Series. Lyft has been very active in discussions and Uber has said they are looking for drivers to "Launch Omaha" while gauging interest in Lincoln. Also, for reading the comments on all of the news stories, it is pretty clear people want theses services, are tired of the taxi monopoly in Omaha, and want to the government to stop stifling these companies.

Heck they probably want it before the BH meeting and Big Omaha. Those are events full of people that would use the service too.

lmdramos wrote:UberBlack, Taxi, SUV would have the proper permits but I don't think UberX does. However, they don't need it because they are technically a rideshare service and not a taxi service. That being said, I wish the government would get rid of this small town mentality and let these companies come to Omaha and help make it into the metropolitan city it is trying to become.

Barbara Soderlin: World-Herald staff writer wrote:Per-mile rates would rise approximately 5 percent in both Omaha and Lincoln for cabs under the Yellow, Checker, Cornhusker, Safeway and Happy Cab names.

Separately Tuesday, the commission discussed concerns about online ride services Uber and Lyft possibly launching operations in Nebraska.

Lyft plans to launch tonight in Omaha and Lincoln, offering free rides for two weeks to new users and setting up a legal battle on city streets.

Barbara Soderlin / World-Herald staff writer wrote:The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce president on Wednesday asked state regulators to “find a proactive solution” that would allow transportation services like Lyft and Uber to operate in the metro area.

“Expansion of transportation choices is a key part of our effort to grow and diversify the metro population and workforce,” chamber President David Brown wrote in a letter to members of the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

By Wednesday afternoon, representatives of the commission and the chamber were arranging to meet next week.

lmdramos wrote:Uber X launched in Omaha today!

Silicon Prairie News wrote:Ride costs begin at a 50 cent base fare, in addition to $0.45 per minute and $1.65 per mile. The service also tacks on a $1 "safe ride" fee that goes toward expenses like insurance and background checks. For instance, the five-mile ride from Omaha Eppley Airport to the downtown Old Market would be about $14.25.

Lyft, which begins charging for rides Thursday after its two week free trial, will likely face up to $500 fines and vehicle impoundment, according to PSC rules. If uberX is charging, they also will face tickets.

Omaha and Lincoln police have promised tickets to drivers taking money for the illegally operating rideshare services. Officer Michael Pecha, a spokesperson for the department, says the Omaha Police will enforce the city's law.

"I do not have any other information right now about if we are going to actively pursue these operations, or if we will only respond to complaints," Pecha said.

For instance, the five-mile ride from Omaha Eppley Airport to the downtown Old Market would be about $14.25.