Uber is making its first steps into commercial operation of aerial ride-hailing, after years of promises.
Shivani Vora reports that Uber is launching Uber Copter in New York City on July 9.
"The new service, booked through Uber’s app, will take passengers between Lower Manhattan and Kennedy International Airport, an eight-minute flight," according to Vora.
It's not quite the electric sky-taxis promised by Uber Air, the company's ongoing attempt to conquer the skies, but it's also far closer to fruition.
Uber Copter is also an exclusive, and expensive product. "Uber Copter will be available only to users who are Platinum and Diamond members — the top two tiers — of the company’s loyalty program, Uber Rewards," according to Vora. The dynamic pricing model for the trips will probably result in trips costing an average of $200 to $225.
According to a separate article by Katie Pyzyk, Uber officials are saying Uber Copter will "lay the foundation" for Uber Air vehicles. Pyzyk also describes Uber's airborne operations as a benefit only for the wealthy, and not a congestion or mobility solution for the average person.
Another article by John Surico goes a step further to argue that Uber Copter will make transit worse for New York City—even after setting aside noise and pollution effects of the new service.
FULL STORY: Uber Copter to Offer Flights From Lower Manhattan to J.F.K.
Ride-Hailing Prices Skyrocket as the U.S. Emerges From the Pandemic
A shortage of drivers and spiking demand are driving Uber and Lyft prices higher than ever as the companies struggle to achieve profitability.
New York City 'More Congested Than Ever'
The latest mobility survey conducted by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has some bad news about congestion and travel times.
Noise Complaints Spike in Brooklyn After Uber Launches Helicopter Service to JFK
One person's ticket out of traffic and transit is another person's recurring headache.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)