Uber Creeping Into Transit Territory

One of the great, looming questions of transportation is whether transportation network companies will complement or compete with transit. A recent promotion moves toward the compete end of the spectrum.

1 minute read

July 16, 2016, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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mikedotta / Shutterstock

"Uber has said for years that it’s not here to kill public transportation. But a new uberPool promotion suggests the ride-hailing service may be inching closer to becoming competition for public transit," according to an article by Casey Williams.

Uber announced the promotion earlier this week: an "Uber Commute Card" to members of Gilt City, which is an online coupon system offering high-end fare to residents of New York.

The promotion makes a pretty clear dig at the transit experience, however: "This summer, treat yourself to unlimited uberPOOL trips in Manhattan during commuting hours. Because while sweaty, full-body contact with strangers has its place, it’s not on your way to work."

Statements like send a pretty clear signal about whether transportation network companies will end up complementing or competing with transit.

Thursday, July 14, 2016 in The Huffington Post

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