UPDATED 6:00PM FRIDAY SEPT 9th
Back in March, Uber and the City of Altamonte Springs partnered to create a landmark pilot project in which the City integrated Uber’s ride-share technology. The goal of the program is to boost SunRail ridership and address transportation needs, but the main benefit to users is it gives everyone using UBER going to or leaving from Altamonte a 20% discount on any ride.
The whole things will cost the City $100,000 a year.
The City is providing a 20% discount on all Uber trips that both begin and end in the city limits, meaning riders pay less. As an added benefit to encourage increased SunRail ridership, all trips starting or ending at the Altamonte Springs SunRail station will receive a 25% discount.
According to Verge, several US cities have reached out to Uber for guidance on how to create a copycat program like the Altmaonte idea initiated by City Manager Frank Martze. Those cities included Maitland, Los Angeles, Boulder, and Boston.
Orlando will not be one of those cities.
The whole things will cost the City $100,000 a year.
The City is providing a 20% discount on all Uber trips that both begin and end in the city limits, meaning riders pay less. As an added benefit to encourage increased SunRail ridership, all trips starting or ending at the Altamonte Springs SunRail station will receive a 25% discount.
According to Verge, several US cities have reached out to Uber for guidance on how to create a copycat program like the Altmaonte idea initiated by City Manager Frank Martze. Those cities included Maitland, Los Angeles, Boulder, and Boston.
Orlando will not be one of those cities.
"At this time, we have no plans to implement this type of program," City of Orlando Press Secretary Cassandra Laffser told us today. When pressed for a reason why, Laffser answered with the following:
Mark,
I've outline below the City's focus currently and what investments we are making towards first/last efforts.
As you know, every City is unique and has unique needs. For example, I don't believe Altamonte offers Bike share, Car share or had a free circulator. These our things our City has invested in because they meet the unique needs of our residents as Altamonte has chosen to invest in Uber discounts to meet their residents needs.
Again, we will continue to evaluate the unique needs of our residents and incorporate new modes of transportation and programs that will further that effort.
Several Central Florida Cities including Maitland have spoken with Uber about the partnership program.
The service in Altamonte eliminated worry over finding parking at popular venues, allows individuals who can’t drive the ability to get around the City and provides solutions to urgent situations such as car repair, health care, etc.
To use the feature, riders must enter the promo code " altAMONTE" and choose the Altamonte option to receive the discounted services. The app will recognize if the user is within the Altamonte Springs city limits. The subsidized portion of rides is automatically deducted from the rider's cost of the trip.
How It Works
For help with the Uber app, visit www.uber.com/help.
To use the feature, riders must enter the promo code " altAMONTE" and choose the Altamonte option to receive the discounted services. The app will recognize if the user is within the Altamonte Springs city limits. The subsidized portion of rides is automatically deducted from the rider's cost of the trip.
How It Works
- DOWNLOAD the Uber app from the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store.
- OPEN the Uber app within Altamonte Springs city limits and select the Promotions option from the menu.
- TAP Select Pickup Location.
- SELECT Promo Code at the bottom of the screen.
- ENTER 'ALTAMONTE' in the promo code field.
- SLIDE the icon to the Altamonte Springs option.
- ENTER the destination by tapping the plus icon on the pickup address box (Android) or the box behind the pickup address (iPhone).
- TAP the Request button to submit your trip.
For help with the Uber app, visit www.uber.com/help.