Uber and Lyft Driving Services are now available in Las Vegas

The long awaited time for more affordable tourist travel has finally arrived: Uber and Lyft are now both available in the city of Las Vegas as of September 15, 2015.

For years, the only taxicab service available was through the Nevada Taxicab Authority, and their drivers overcharging tourists or taking unnecessarily long routes have been a longstanding problem. Now, using the Uber and Lyft driving service apps on your phone allow you to hail a car and take a ride that could be significantly cheaper than a standard taxi. Each company has already contracted over 1,000 drivers and are screening more to join the team. Both companies hire real people who are looking to be independent contractors. They go through a screening process to prove that they are reliable and safe drivers.

So, is it really worth it?

According to lvcabs.com, the fee for a taxi is $3.30 for the first 1/13 of a mile, $2.60 per mile, with additional charges for an airport drop or pick up, a fee for a credit or debit card and a fuel surcharge rate. “If the taximeter senses that the taxicab is moving at a rate less than 8-12 MPH, the taximeter will assess a charge of 20 cents every 24 seconds, which comes to $30.00 per hour for waiting time.”

Uber and Lyft both charge a base fare of $2.40, $0.30 per minute, and $1.85 per mile. Your ride needs to cost a minimum of $5.00, and if you cancel, there’s a $5.00 cancellation fee.

With a $0.75 cent difference per mile, the savings really add up by choosing an alternative ride. Another bonus to these driving services is it’s cashless and convenient. When you arrive at your destination the app will charge your listed credit card, and they’ll email you a receipt. There never needs to be an exchange of cash or card with your driver.

With new services like this, the opportunities of leaving the Strip and exploring other parts of Vegas are numerous. You can visit historic downtown for the Fremont Street Experience, visit The Container Park or grab a drink at The Bar in Gold Spike.

Booking a room at the Oasis will give you unlimited access to all the events happening downtown, and with Lyft or Uber, you’re never too far away from any experience you want to have―without breaking the bank. Book your room at the Oasis and start planning your trip for cheaper.