Uber now lets Central Valley passengers select Spanish speaking drivers

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With a swipe of a finger, Uber is now giving users the option to select a Spanish speaking driver.

The app allows consumers to submit a request through their smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Uber Espanol launched earlier this year but on Tuesday afternoon Fresno was added to the list. "This is something that is an option in places like San Diego and Los Angeles. So we saw already about 200 drivers, who drive with Uber, who opted in to drive with Uber Espanol as well," said Laura Zapata, Uber spokeswoman.

Uber said drivers and riders in the Central Valley have made the request for some time now. State Assembly Member Henry T. Perea and Fresno City Councilmember Esmeralda Soria were the first Fresno users to request a ride under Uber Espanol. Both says the new option is perfect for the local community. "The Central Valley is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual community. In fact over 90 different dialects are spoken in Fresno Unified alone-- so we know that there is going to a lot of interest in this new product," said Henry T. Perea, State Assembly Member.

"The Latino population here in Fresno County and in the city of Fresno is about 50-percent and so we know that there is a market, but it is great to see that Uber has expanded that," said Esmeralda Soria, Fresno City Councilmember

Uber Espanol already has a number of drivers ready to hit the streets. Each driver's vehicles must pass a 19 point inspection to make sure they meet Uber standards, and the drivers also have to complete a background check. "I'm one of many Uber drivers in Fresno who speaks Spanish. And I'm ready to help other people who speak Spanish. I would be ready to receive them, their request," said Francisco Ramirez, Uber driver

The cost for a ride under Uber Espanol is the same price as the English Uber app.