With the Uber app becoming increasingly popular across Accra and Kumasi, riders need to familiarise themselves with what Uber is. So here are a few things to note, to help existing and prospective riders:

Getting started - What is Uber?

Uber is a technology company that connects riders to drivers at a push of a button. To use Uber, riders needs to have a Smartphone with an android or IOS operating system that can pick up their current location. Uber requires GPS enabled technology which makes rider's and driver's experience efficient and seamless. This GPS system is important as it offers trackability and traceability where previously there was very little.

Drivers are their own bosses

Drivers have the flexibility to determine their own working hours, and are their own bosses. Vehicles used on the Uber app belong to driver-partners.
Uber believes in empowering driver-partners to become small business owners. Currently hundreds of thousands of drivers are signing up, every month, to use the Uber app. Many driver-partners enjoy the flexibility that that the app offers, allowing them to choose when and where to work and putting them in control of their own finances.

How driver-partners can join Uber

Driver-partners join the app by visiting this website <https://www.uber.com/en-ZA/cities/accra/> and selecting the "become a driver" option in the top right section. They are then requested to fill in an online form. Once Uber receives this information they will make contact and begin registration and background screening processes.

In-app support with Uber

Uber has an in-app support feature that can be accessed within the Uber app by tapping the menu icon (three bars) in the top left hand corner. Riders can then navigate and tap on the "help" icon, scroll down and report the issue at hand. So whether it's a fare query or you have left a personal possession in an Uber vehicle, Uber's customer support staff are ready to respond to any issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Uber provides riders more choice

Uber aims to change the face of public transportation especially in cities like Accra where there are various challenges such congestion and pollution.

Alon Lits, General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa says, "Uber is pro-regulation, and we have been working very closely with the regulators to help shape the future of e-hailing in cities like Accra. Regulators and policymakers have welcomed Uber into the city and we believe that technologies like Uber provide an incredible chance to create economic opportunities and improve road safety in Ghana in new and innovative ways. Uber offers riders a new option in the transport industry where riders
have more choices."

As technology improves and cities become forward thinking, Uber hopes the citizens of Accra will embrace ride-sharing apps such as Uber which will potentially have a positive impact on road safety and provide new economic opportunities by empowering thousands of small business owners in Ghana, to be their own bosses.

See how to download the Uber app and start riding

Follow these steps:

  1.  To request a ride, users must download the free application for Android, iPhone, Blackberry

  2.  Tap SIGN IN if you have an account or tap REGISTER to create one.

  3.  Tap "Where to?" and enter your destination

  4.  Your default pickup point is set to your current GPS location. If you are not being picked up at your current location, tap your pickup location on the map and update the address

  5.  Tap "Request." You may be asked to confirm your pickup location.

  6.  Wait for a driver to accept your request.

  7.  When your request has been accepted, you'll see your driver's location on your map and an estimated time of arrival at your pickup location

  8.  Your app will notify you when your driver is close to your pickup location