Parts of Gympie region to see first ever Uber driver

The long-awaited ride sharing service will finally be operating in the Gympie region every weekend, with an eye to kicking off Uber Eats if the public demand is there. SEE THE DETAILS

The long-awaited ride sharing service will finally be operating in the Gympie region every weekend, with an eye to kicking off Uber Eats if the public demand is there.

A Mary Valley man is set to make Uber a reality for parts of the Gympie region for the very first time.

When Brad Waller moved to Imbil four months ago he said it became evident straight away that the area suffered from a lack of transport and no rideshare options such as Uber and taxis.

“I started looking into it and thought I'd give it a crack and the response on Facebook has been phenomenal,” Mr Waller said.

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Calling himself an “Uber virgin”, Mr Waller said he wasn’t aware of just how much preparation was needed to become certified.

“They put you through the ringer to get on board, I’ve done all the courses and should have my certificate soon which should allow me to start Friday night and it’s full steam ahead after that,” he said.

“I’m Imbil-based, but I’m picking up from anywhere within a 30km radius, which will give me the outskirts of Gympie then too I believe.”

The car Mr Waller will use to pick up his passengers. Picture: Brad Waller

The townships Mr Waller will be able to pick-up from include Imbil, Kenilworth, Amamoor, Kybong, Tuckeoi, Coles Creek, Kandanga, Traveston, Federal, Cooran, Tandur and more.

A different Uber driver did service the Gympie region back in 2019 on occasion, but it is unknown if he is still operating.

Mr Waller will work 12-hour shifts over the weekend, starting on Friday at 5pm and will take up to three passengers wherever they need to go.

“If someone wants to book me to go to the Brisbane Airport or anywhere like that I’d be happy to do it,” he said.

“I have another job as well but I’m free Wednesdays and Thursdays as well, so if there is a demand for those days I will do that as well.”

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Mr Waller said he also completed the training for Uber Eats, which he will do if the community is asking for it.

“I’m very excited to see how it goes, I think the response im getting and my own research shows me that there is a demand for it but the proof is in the pudding so we will see how it goes,” he said.

“I will certainly follow that demand, I’ve only got myself and one vehicle at the moment but as demand grows, I will grow.”

Originally published as Parts of Gympie region to see first ever Uber driver