JOHNSTOWN - Uber recently expanded its availability in the state, including Johnstown.
Uber's expansion is part of a growth plan that now allows Uber to cover 93 percent of Pennsylvania, an upgrade from 77 percent, according to the company's website.
John Cosinuke is one of Johnstown's new Uber drivers.
After about a week of business, he said people still need to get used to the concept.
"It's slow because it's brand new. People are still trying to get a grasp on it because its all smartphone-based," Cosinuke said.
He thinks Uber's smartphone app is easy to use, even though it may be a new technology to some.
"It'll pull Johnstown into the 21st century in a sense," Cosinuke said.
Some still prefer regular taxis, but Cosinuke was also a cab driver before switching to Uber. Comparing the two, he said Uber is cheaper, quicker and more convenient.
Uber allows customers and drivers to view their distance from each other on a map, and provides an estimated time of arrival. Customers see these times and locations for all available drivers, their names, pictures and make and model of their car.
They then pick the most convenient for them, and request the ride on their phone's app. As the driver is en route to pick-up, customers are able to track their drive until they arrive.
Cosinuke said his taxi customers did not have this option.
"They'd say, 'I've been waiting for an hour and a half.' With Uber, the software can tell where you are and where I am. It's just the speed of the whole thing," Cosinuke said.
When customers first download the app and register for an Uber account, they provide a debit or credit card on which to charge all rides. When a customer orders a ride, they do not have to go through a payment process. The approved price deducts automatically from that provided card.
Cosinuke also said when he drove a local taxi, the first mile was $2.80. Uber's current Johnstown fare is $1.30.
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