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Uber Offer Free UberX Rides In Adelaide. This Is Not A Drill

Just in time for Friday night drinks.
There's no better time to be an Adelaidean.
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There's no better time to be an Adelaidean.

Adelaideans heading out for a post-work drink can now spend their cab money on another beer or two, as Uber has just offered free UberX rides from midday until... well, indefinitely.

The ridesharing service's latest gift to the people is one sticking it to the State Government after legislative changes were introduced which Uber labelled red tape, threatening to cancel the introduction of UberX in the state.

After legalising ridesharing services in April, the South Australian Government introduced a $1 per trip levy to compensate taxi drivers across the state dealing with new competition. Startup costs of approximately $700 for drivers were also introduced along with vehicle inspections every six months.

Startup costs in other states across the country range from $45 to $100.

All rides will be free until further notice.

Uber Adelaide's General Manager Tom White told The Huffington Post Australia UberX was introduced today to give South Australians a chance to make up their own minds.

"In a city suffering from one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country, we believe ridesharing will make Adelaide a more liveable, economically vibrant and better connected place to be," White told HuffPost Australia.

"We have always been passionate about what our technology could do for South Australia and we believe opening up ridesharing technology in Adelaide today will have a positive impact on economic opportunity and choice for South Australians.

"So that Adelaideans can give UberX a go for themselves, all rides will be free until further notice."

It may not be Uber Puppies, but it's a win-win for South Australians on Friday night.

Note: The Huffington Post's Editor-in-Chief Arianna Huffington is a member of Uber's board of directors, and has recused herself from any involvement in the site's coverage of the company.

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