Uber is taking another step towards its commitment to reduce emissions and promote environmentally-friendly transportation options. The ride-hailing and food delivery platform operator announced a new initiative called “One Less Car,” in which it will reward certain commuters in the U.S. and Canada with $1,000 in credits if they ditch their cars for five weeks and opt for public and other alternative transport services.
This initiative is part of Uber’s ongoing efforts to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The company has been advocating for the use of EVs for years and has even pledged $800 million to help its driver partners transition entirely to EVs by 2040. In line with this commitment, Uber has teamed up with rental car company Hertz to offer Tesla cars as a rental option for its drivers in the U.S. and Europe.
While it’s unclear how much of Uber’s total fleet currently comprises EVs, the partnership with Hertz demonstrates the company’s dedication to gradually incorporating more electric vehicles into its operations. By providing drivers with access to EV rentals, Uber is making it easier for them to experience the benefits of electric transportation without the need for a long-term commitment.
Through the “One Less Car” initiative, Uber plans to select up to 175 car owners in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Miami, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver. These participants will receive a $500 credit redeemable on the Uber app, a $200 voucher for car rental or carshare services, and an additional $300 for use on alternative modes of transport such as public transit.
Uber’s previous initiative in Australia revealed that commuters mainly turned to walking, cycling, and ride-sharing services after giving up their cars. This suggests that people are willing to explore different transportation options when given the opportunity. By incentivizing commuters to try out public transit and other alternatives, Uber hopes to not only reduce congestion on the roads but also encourage the use of greener transport methods.
This initiative comes at a time when transport operators, including major U.S. airlines, are expecting a surge in tourist activity and travel during the summer. With 233 million private vehicles in the U.S., approximately 80 million of which are driven less than 10 miles a day on average, there is ample opportunity to shift from personal car usage to more sustainable options.
Uber’s “One Less Car” initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. By offering commuters financial incentives to try out alternative transport services, Uber is encouraging individuals to make greener choices and contribute to the overall reduction of carbon emissions. With this initiative and its ongoing support for EV adoption, Uber is positioning itself as a leader in the pursuit of a more sustainable future for transportation.