If you’ve been following our website, Twitter or Facebook lately, you’ve seen all the Uber hype. When the rideshare app announced this past weekend that they would be launching in Fargo, a move long anticipated by locals who have used the app in bigger cities, people got excited.

But others shrugged their shoulders. Why get so excited about a “taxi cab” service?

According to a variety of students, leaders and locals: it’s more than that. Here’s how we celebrated:

Uber is live

Yesterday, Uber officially launched at 11:30 AM. The first ride was taken by Mayor Tim Mahoney (making him Rider Zero).

Shortly following, Uber and Emerging Prairie hosted a Lunch & Learn event at Myriad Mobile’s Library where Uber’s general manager of North Dakota expansion Sagar Shah shared Uber’s story. About fifty people showed up, with media coverage from the local newspaper, news, radio, and online outlets. This was all on just a few days notice.

 

Senator Jon Casper was there as well, celebrating months of hard work creating rideshare legislation that will protect riders and drivers – a model that is now being replicated on a nationwide level, he said.

According to Uber’s blog, every ride is covered by Uber’s $1 million commercial liability insurance policy.

Molly Spaeth, a Fargo South grad who now works for communications with Uber Corporate, said she is thrilled to see Uber coming to her hometown.

“I’m so glad it’s going to be available in Fargo, especially because I don’t have a car when I come visit,” she said at the event.

Some of the benefits of Uber, according to Shah include short wait times (averaging around 3 minutes,) more rides available, cheaper prices, and less drunk driving accidents.

Fargo’s for real

But why the hype, why the launch party, why the hulabaloo?

For many, it’s because Uber is not only a valuable service in a city, it’s also one that is used around the nation now in most major cities. They’re one of the fastest growing startups in the world, and now Fargo is a part of that.

Recently, a friend visiting from Santa Barbara, California expressed surprise that there were no Ubers in Fargo.

“Back home we’ve been using Uber for well over a year,” she said.

Now, to have Uber available in Fargo shows we’re taking ourselves seriously as a growing tech hub and as a progressive city. It’s fighting the perception that Fargo/North Dakota is “behind.”

“If Fargo is going to keep cutting through the old ways that hold us back, we’ve got to be radically inclusive,” said Emerging Prairie co-founder Greg Tehven. “Embracing Uber in the community is just another example of that.”

#UberLovesFargo

Of course, in Fargo fashion, the best way to embrace something new is to celebrate it. Last night an Uber launch party was held at ecce art gallery, with appetizers by Monte’s and Uber mug and sunglasses party swag designed by Fargo 3D Printing.

It was a grand ol’ time.

 

       

When asked how many launch parties Uber has thrown, Shah said the Fargo launch party was the first he’d ever been a part of. He said that it harkened back to the early days of Uber when they would celebrate each expanse; since they’ve gotten bigger, the party is not as common.

“It’s nice to get back to those roots,” he said at the event.

For Shah and the rest of his team, including Jaime Moore from Uber Communications, it was their first time in Fargo.

“We love Fargo,” Moore said. “Really, the warmth and welcome of Fargo stole our hearts.”

A few more details

Uber is now live and can be used through their mobile app – although driver availability is still limited. Here’s a screenshot of the prices taken from Uber’s blog:

Be sure to use your three free rides with promo code: FARGOFREE.

(Valid only in Fargo, ND. Expires May 21, 2015).

#UberLovesFargo

Photos courtesy of Marisa Jackels, Evan Balko and Annika Nynas.