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.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service