To get around any major city, tourists have the options of walking, taking public transportation, or hailing a taxi. This summer, Ghahzal Magharehabed, psychology junior, used a different method to get around — an app on her phone.

Uber is an app that allows its users to request a driver at the push of a button, based on his or her GPS location. Riders can request the nearest driver and can confirm payment via credit card.

Magharehabed said she frequently used Uber while in Washington, D.C. for a psychology convention. She said she was surprised to find it unavailable in New Orleans, until now.

The City of New Orleans approved Uber and other app-based car services to operate in the city at a council meeting held Sept. 4 after originally being denied.

In October 2013, before the company intended on operating in New Orleans, Former Taxi Bureau Chief Malachi Hull brought Uber’s operations to the attention of city council  and sent the company a cease and desist letter.

Workers in the taxi industry said they believe Uber will cause unfair competition because hail-a-cab apps do not meet regulated standards that taxicabs drivers do.

Syed Kazmi, president of United Cab, said the app would hurt the limousine and taxi industry.

“Uber doesn’t have the same regulations or any meters or cameras. They don’t have the same standards as taxis.  Taxi drivers have background checks, drugs tests and our cabs go through inspections,” Kazmi said.

In response, Uber launched a social media campaign called #NOLAneedsUber, encouraging New Orleanians to reach out to city council. Uber has recently found success operating in Baton Rouge, where there appeared to be a lack of taxi services.

Since the San Francisco-based company started in 2009, Uber has begun operating in over 70 cities and 45 countries. Taylor Bennet, a spokesman for Uber, said the company receives various reactions.

“Every city is different and in how they operate — we received an incredible response from Baton Rouge. City officials, drivers, residents wanted us. So it was a fairly quick process that the whole city wanted us there,” Bennett said.

In July 2014, a city council ordinance was issued that proposed a series of changes to the transportation code   and included fare requirements. The proposal counteracts Uber letting the consumers choose how much their fare will cost. The City of New Orleans initially proposed a minimum $25 charge for sedan rides, a minimum $35 charge for SUV rides, a flat $75 for airport trips using a sedan and $90 using a SUV.

The New Orleans minimum of $15 is the highest fare in the country for Uber users, compared to New York’s $8 minimum fare.

In an email response, Uber said the minimum fare restricts consumers’ ability to get a ride at an affordable rate.

“This is a step forward, but such high minimum fares ignores the need for more affordable options,” the email said. “These mandates still limit choice and put New Orleans on par with the most expensive markets in the US.”

Magharehabed said the app was a more affordable option to using a taxi service.

“I used it because taxis are way more expensive. I’ve never had to pay more than $10 for a ride,” Magharehabed said.

Of all of Uber car services, Uber Black is the luxury car line that will operate in New Orleans. While in D.C, Magharehabed used Uber X, the low-cost ride-sharing feature, more often.

Magharehabed said there is a noted difference between the two.

“Uber Black is a little fancier and professional. One night in D.C. we used it to get to a dinner and our driver was in a suit. It was very formal,” Magharehabed said. “Whereas Uber X drivers can pick you on the spot when requested.”

Adam Albaari, English writing sophomore, used a similar ride-sharing app called Lyft during his summer internship in Detroit. He said the app provided convenience and a sense of security.

“It was actually cool to see that since everything was automated through the app, you got to see a Facebook page of the driver through the app. It told you what kind of car they drove, the picture of the car and of the driver. It will tell you where they are in the city and it’s already mapped your location,” Albaari said.

Albaari said app-based car service can be of great convenience in the city, especially when large groups of tourists visit.

“The taxi service in New Orleans can either range from very accommodating and helpful, to very, very poor with long waits,” he said. “This isn’t all the time, but there are times when there are big conventions, festivals, anything that causes a huge influx of people in the city.”

Magharehabed said she could see Uber gaining popularity in the city.

“Cabs are so expensive, but the great thing about Uber is the affordability and accessibility to get a ride from the touch of your finger. I think it will start off with slow catch since people in New Orleans tend to be traditional. But once people will see how convenient it is, then people will be more willing to use it,” Magharehabed said.

Uber has not announced when they will officially begin operating in New Orleans.