Uber, the mobile app for ride sharing and car hiring has launched operations in Sofia.

According to the official information, the fare per kilometre is BGN 0.4 – about half as cheap as the fares of the regular taxi companies. The initial fee is BGN 0.7, the fee for one minute of stay is BGN 0.2. The cancellation fee is BGN 3. The minimum fare is also BGN 3.

The Uber mobile app is free and is available for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry. Payments happen through credit or debit cards that have been registered upon signing up for the application.

Information for the potential entry of the somewhat controversial transport company has been circulating in the Bulgarian-language media since the summer.

In November it started hiring drivers, posting announcements on Facebook and on the website Kola V Grada (Car In The City), advertising itself as a “transport revolution”. According to the requirements, the cars of the potential drivers must not be older than 10 years and must be at least a four-door sedan.

According to the company blog, the current service is in trial period with a limited number of cars.