TORONTO — Uber is offering new users free rides to and from polling stations on Election Day in the cities where it operates.

A representative from Uber says the company will cover rides to the polling station and back again, for first-time customers only, up to $15 each way.

Uber says the offer will be available in Hamilton, as well as Edmonton, Calgary, the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, London, the Waterloo Region, Quebec City and Montreal.

The ride-hailing app has been embroiled in controversy since it initially launched in Canada last year.

Taxi companies say it is an unfair competitor.