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Taxi firm Uber is hoping to launch in Cardiff – and has begun advertising for employees.

The web-based taxi firm is advertising two roles in Cardiff on their website.

Using a free-to-download app, customers book a journey and are pinpointed via GPS.

Prices are are often cheaper than competitors.

Transactions are cashless, and fares are automatically taken from your account with no need to tip.

If taking a journey with friends, the app allows you to split the fare.

The jobs advertised in Cardiff are for an operations and logistics manager and for an operations coordinator.

It began in San Francisco in 2009 and has rapidly spread across the world.

In the UK, it has expanded rapidly. It is established in Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester and has been rolling out more widely to include Bristol, Sheffield, Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor.

Other jobs currently being advertised on their site are for Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Bristol, the Home Counties, Leicester, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Sheffield and the south coast.

An Uber spokesman confirmed they were advertising for jobs, but said they want the “best talent” so could not confirm if they would definitely launch in Cardiff or when it may be.

He said: “Uber’s ambition is to be in every major city in the UK, this of course includes Cardiff.

“In order to launch in a new city Uber needs two things. The first is an operator’s license to work in the city and the second is a team on the ground to run the business.

“We are always looking for the best talent, hence the job adverts, however this is not an indication of when Uber may launch.”

Both jobs offer a list of perks including Uber credits each month, a “ground floor opportunity” to “shape the strategic direction of the company”.

The app has caused controversy. Last month London cabbies held their latest protest against them.

They argue Uber is acting as a taxi company and should be subject to appropriate regulations and that the rules about app-based taxi firms are not clear.

How Uber works

1. Download the app to your mobile phone and set up an account

2. When you require a cab, you mark your location on the app via GPS

3. You are also able to choose your car (cars range from standard to luxury)

4. You will be shown Uber drivers near to your location

5. Your driver will arrive and you will be informed when it has

6. Your credit card details are held on the app and payment is taken directly from this so you don't need cash. You'll be shown the total on the app

7. You can rate your driver - and your driver can rate you. This will then show up during future journeys.