A global technology company is bringing its ride sharing services to the streets of Fresno.
The company called Uber will launch it's lower-cost service called UberX. The app is popular in larger cities, and it's an alternative to taxi cab services.
Uber uses GPS technology to find users' location and connect them with a nearby driver.
When users download the app, they can request a driver.
"You'll be able to see the driver's photo, the driver's name, license plate number, car type. You'll be able to track where the driver is on the map," says Andrew Noyes, Uber spokesperson.
Fresno State student Jazzmyn Ochoa says this service will benefit the college community.
"Especially students who need rides to go somewhere. It's a really good idea," Ochoa says.
Sydney Rengel, another Fresno State student, adds, "A lot of college students, we don't always have a lot of money and our cars aren't always reliable. And college students, we kind of like to go out and have fun with our friends too."
Outside the Fresno Yosemite International Airport Wednesday, taxi cab drivers who didn't want to speak on camera said business is slow even without an added competitor.
Although the taxi cab drivers say Fresno isn't a big market for taxi drivers, the tech start up is finding a built-in market with the generation who constantly has their smart phones within hands' reach.
"It would just be easier on an app. An app is just easier and you can see instead of being on hold waiting for a taxi," Ochoa says.
With the app, there's no need to carry cash. Upon sign up, users store their credit card information, and the card is charged after the ride.
In Fresno, base rates start at $3 with an added $1.80 per mile and $0.30 per minute.
The Uber spokesperson wouldn't disclose how many drivers will be available for Thursday's launch in Fresno.
The free app can be found by searching "Uber" in your smartphone's app store. The company is offering limited free rides during its launching month: http://blog.uber.com/FRESLOVESuberX