Uber plans to sign up 12,000 drivers in South LA over next year

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Uber rolled out a plan to sign up 12,000 drivers over the next year in South Los Angeles, and the company received help from community groups.

The ride share company started signing up drivers who would be in the area on Thursday in the Crenshaw District.

"We have a vehicle inspection process - 19-point vehicle inspection. We have a driver screening process to make sure that individuals are getting rides with a partner that has gone through a very thorough screening process, as well as document checks. The standard insurance, driver's license - those types of required documents," said Chris Ballard, general manager of the company.

Retired social worker Doris Starling said she started driving for Uber six months ago. She said it's been going well so far.

But will people use the service in South Los Angeles? The reaction has been split.

Resident Michael Constantino said it is an efficient and cost effective way to get around town. But Kamri Washington said the service is too expensive for her compared to taking a bus.

Uber already has Uber en Espanol, and Ballard said they're looking into expanding that into other languages all over Los Angeles.