The ridesharing service expects to be in the city by December, as it expands its services to 15 new locations in regional Australia, in time for the busy summer period.

Uber said the app-based service was regularly used by 3.8 million Australians, and the expansion into regional centres was expected to bring another one million users to the scheme.

“Based on our experience in other regional cities, we expect that riders will be most active on weekends, around major events and during tourism peaks,” a statement said.

“We have selected cities based on where demand for trips is high, and where ridesharing can complement existing transport options.

“In 2018 alone we have seen more than 280,000 people in these cities open the app, looking for a ride.

“The message is clear - people want more options for affordable transport and we’re excited to be able to respond to that demand, with a convenient way to get around, particularly on weekends and during the holidays.”

In addition to Wagga, Uber will be starting up in the NSW cities of Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Orange, Port Macquarie and Tamworth.

“We know access to transport is an important factor in social mobility and where there are limited alternatives to driving a private car, people who can’t drive  because of disability, age, or the cost of owning a vehicle  , can miss out on the benefits of travel,” Uber said in a statement.

“Ridesharing can go a long way to solving these issues for regional cities.  

“These launches are not only good for travellers, but also for locals who want to sign up to earn extra money here and there.

“By using the Uber app, drivers have complete flexibility to drive as and when it suits them and we hope the opportunity to make some extra money will be a welcome option for many.”

Lisa Hanlon from the Red Steer Hotel, which is located at Cartwrights Hill, was positive about the arrival of Uber in Wagga.

“I think it would be good,” she said.

“Sometimes you have to wait a long time for a taxi or courtesy buses don’t go far enough.”

Mick Henderson, the commodore of the Wagga Boat Club, was divided on the arrival of Uber.

Mr Henderson was worried about the effect the new service would have on the city’s fleet of existing taxi cabs, but acknowledged it could benefit visitors to the Wagga Boat Club.

“There might be reduced prices for Uber,” he said.

“But there is also an issue for us because we are so far out of town and sometimes on a Friday and Saturday night, particularly later, you can wait a long time to get a cab.”

Wagga Radio Cabs did not return calls from The Daily Advertiser on Monday, but when another rideshare company Go Buggy launched in the city in August 2017, drivers expressed their concern about the impact such services would have on traditional taxis.

There are currently about 30 traditional taxis in Wagga.