Riders will now see a link to the Uber app at the top of BART’s own transit planning app.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) agency entered an agreement with Uber to include a link to the company’s app at the top of its own transit app, reports Tim Redmond in 48 Hills. According to a press release from BART, “Riders will no longer need to use multiple apps to plan their BART trip and plan and pay for an Uber ride. Everything can be done without leaving the BART app, and the total trip time will be displayed, making things faster and easier for users.”
Agency management made the decision without approval from the BART board, Redmond adds. “None of the existing cab companies, like Yellow and Flywheel, which both have apps just like Uber, are on the BART app.”
BART board member Edward Wright said he was surprised and unhappy at the move. “BART’s mission statement, he said, calls for decreasing auto transportation both on and off BART.” This move, Redmond writes, directly contradicts that mission, supporting a company whose stated goal is to replace public transit.
FULL STORY: BART cuts deal with Uber—without approval of the elected board
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