Uber Launches in Newport Today, Free Rides this Weekend

Uber has launched its ride service in Newport, starting today.

"Warmer days and fun-filled nights are finally here. We won’t let a safe ride stand between you and a summer of fun, so we expanded our reliable coverage area to include your favorite summer destinations like Newport and Narragansett," the company said in an announcement.

To promote the launch, Uber is offering free rides in Newport starting at 9 a.m. Friday through Sunday at 6 p.m. Each person will get two rides valued at up to $20 with a special promo code, RISUMMER.

At the same time, Uber is partnering with a number of area establishments that will offer discounts for people who show their Uber receipts. 

A list of places is posted on Uber's blog: http://blog.uber.com/risummer

Uber opened in Rhode Island last year and operations were based primarily in the Providence area. 

The minimum fee for an Uber ride is $20 and unlike a traditional taxi service, there is no tipping and rides are flat-rate. Cars are beckoned via the push of a button through the Uber app on a smartphone. 

This story will be updated.