Uber is proud to announce it is now available in every parish in Louisiana, beginning Wednesday, July 3. Uber had already been operating in Louisiana’s largest cities, but those in rural and suburban communities were previously left behind without one clear set of rules for ridesharing in Louisiana.

Uber is a ridesharing company that allows drivers to use their vehicles like taxis, using them to transport customers from location to location. The business is conducted through a smartphone app that allows those seeking rides to find those who are selling them.

The expansion comes as a new statewide rideshare law, which replaces the previous patchwork of regulations and was signed by Gov. John Bel Edwards earlier this month, takes effect. Louisianians from all corners of the state will soon have access to new transportation options and opportunities to earn additional income, with reliability in new service areas continuing to grow in the weeks ahead as more people learn about Uber.

“We are thrilled to launch the Uber app throughout Louisiana, giving people in more communities the opportunity to earn money and request rides at the tap of a button,” said Trevor Theunissen, director of public affairs for Uber South. “We thank the legislators, businesses, Uber driver-partners, community leaders, and all those in the Let’s Geaux Louisiana Coalition for their work to bring ridesharing statewide in Louisiana.”

Drivers in all areas of Louisiana who are looking to serve their communities and work on their own schedule can sign up to drive on the platform through the Uber website. New riders can download the free smartphone app and create an account.

“There is never an excuse for drinking and driving — and now that more Louisianians will have access to rides with Uber, making the right choice is even easier,” said Valerie Cox, program director for MADD Louisiana. “Drinking and driving is 100 percent preventable, but it’s just about making the right decisions. I am glad that Uber’s expansion will help people make safe choices in more communities across our great state.”

“Uber’s expansion is a win for the state, riders, and drivers like me,” said Gwendolyn Wallace, an Uber driver from New Orleans. “Tourism is so important to Louisiana, and I am always proud to pick up riders from all around the world and talk to them about our great state. Now, I can bring a visitor in New Orleans out to a city like Houma or Thibodaux — and they will then be able to get a ride back to New Orleans.”

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. The app helps to get riders from point A to point B with technology that allows a focus on safety for riders and drivers before, during, and after every trip in ways that have never been possible before.

For more information, visit www.uber.com.