BARTON COUNTY – Uber Technologies Inc. is available in cities worldwide, in portions of Kansas and now in Great Bend.

The Uber app allows consumers with smartphones to submit a trip request and a registered Uber driver in town will pick them up and take them to their destination.

Unlike a taxi system, Uber is made up of community drivers that use their own vehicles.

“Uber transportation is completely cashless. Everything is done through the Uber App,” according to Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes.

She says there are already 10 drivers signed up in Great Bend.

The fares driver’s earn automatically deposit into their bank account every week.

Drivers have to pass a series of questions and background checks.

Hayes says anything that might limit drunk driving and provide a convenience to residents is something the city supports.

In Kansas, the company originally offered service in Wichita, Kansas City, Kansas, Johnson County and grew to include Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan