UberX offering free rides in Adelaide

Ride-sharing service UberX has launched in Adelaide and is offering passengers free rides.

The company previously threatened to abandon plans to bring UberX to SA because it would cost too much and take too long to get drivers onto the road.

It's now offering free rides from Friday until further notice.

"In a city suffering from one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country, we believe ride-sharing will make Adelaide more livable, economically vibrant and a better connected place to be," Uber spokesman Tom White said.