CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) – Ride-hailing service Uber is making is official debut in northwest Indiana.

The (Munster) Times (http://bit.ly/1AR9Sw7 ) reports drivers have been operating in the area for Uber for some time before this week's formal launch. Uber spokeswoman Lauren Altmin says the company will serve Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke and Jasper counties.

The expansion to northwest Indiana follows the launch of the ride service in Fort Wayne last week. Uber has also been active in Indianapolis, Bloomington, West Lafayette, South Bend and Muncie.

The ride service operates in more than 200 cities across the world.