From staff reports

Mobile app-based car service Uber is expanding up and down the coast of Maine to Bar Harbor, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunk, the company said Thursday.

The service begins operating in those communities at 5 p.m. Friday, the company said.

The expansion includes more than 15 other beach communities along the East Coast, the San Francisco-based company said.

In Bar Harbor, the cost of a ride is $1.75 base fare plus $1.80 per mile and 25 cents per minute, while in Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunk, the cost of a ride is $1.50 base fare plus $1.85 per mile and 18 cents per minute, Uber said.

The company already offers service in Greater Portland, although Portland officials are considering regulations that the company said could force it to cease operations in the city.