Uber says it has hired more than 5,000 new drivers from South, West sides

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Uber is more than halfway to its goal of hiring 10,000 new drivers from Chicago's South and West sides, officials say.

In June, the ride share company announced plans to recruit more drivers from those parts of the city.

Now Uber says more than 5,000 drivers have already been hired.

The company says it gives people the chance to set their own hours and be their own boss.