Uber to Hire 12,000 Drivers in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CA - Uber executives announced a campaign today to recruit more drivers from South Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and other areas that are now thought to be underserved by the company.

As part of its goal to hire 12,000 new drivers in Los Angeles County over the next 12 months, the company will go "directly to communities where economic opportunity and reliable transportation are needed most," said Christopher Ballard, general manager of Uber in the Southern California area.

If successful, the effort could improve wait time in areas where there now are fewer drivers working, according to Uber officials.

Uber is working with organizations such as the Los Angeles Urban League, Chrysalis, Goodwill of Southern California and the Los Angeles National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to promote the job opportunities, Uber officials said.

Uber officials today also touted the flexibility of the job's hours, especially for individuals who are going to school or have childcare responsibilities.

Uber currently has 54,000 "driver-partners" -- technically categorized as independent contractors -- who use their own vehicles to give rides arranged by the company's smartphone app.

City News Service