The new service launches in Warrnambool on Thursday at 1pm. “I thought it would be something a bit fun,” Mr Harding said. “Warrnambool has needed it for a while now to keep up with the times. I enjoy driving around so it’s a win win.”

He said the extra money he will earn will be handy and he jumped at the new opportunity. “I was working full time doing a lot of hours every week and I just thought I want to have a little break. Rather than have a break and do nothing I thought I’d make some extra cash and do a bit of driving.”

Mr Harding said he was looking forward to driving around, listening to music and meeting new people. “It’s going to be good fun.” 

He said Uber was a great way to travel with passengers able to track their ride online as soon as they booked it and watch on the screen as the vehicle approached. “The car’s well signed. You can see a profile of the driver so you can see who the driver is and what sort of car they're picking you up in and a little bit about them.” 

He has lived in Warrnambool for 11 years. “I know the city pretty well, I’ve got a cafe in town so I know a few locals. I hope everyone gives it a go because it is different. It’s quick, it’s safe and it’s cheap.”

Mr Harding said he would be driving regularly and make himself available as much as possible. “The car’s all ready, it’s nice and clean. I’ve got (music streaming platform) Spotify all loaded up. It should be good. 

“I hope Warrnambool supports it. I think they will, especially the younger generation who have smartphones and the apps and everything’s quick and easy. There’s no talking on the phone to anyone, it’s just easy to use the app.”

Uber’s Victorian manager Matthew Horn said more drivers were needed and encouraged anyone who was interested to go to uber.com for more information. 

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