Uber to Launch Service in Eugene Sept. 6

Uber to Launch Service in Eugene Sept. 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact:

Nathan Hambley

nhambley@uber.com

206-992-1790

Uber to Launch Service in Eugene Sept. 6

Uber becomes an option for drivers and riders in Eugene starting next Thursday; discounted rideshare trips for all area riders through Sunday; driver information events planned for 9/5 & 9/6

(EUGENE, Ore.) Thurs., Aug. 30 - Area football fans will soon have another way to get to games. Uber today announced it will officially launch its rideshare service in Eugene next Thursday, Sept. 6, at 10:00 a.m. Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis will take the ceremonial first ride at the Arcimoto Manufacturing Plant 2034 W 2nd Ave. (event details below).

“We’re thrilled we’ll soon be turning rideshare service on in Eugene,” said Alejandro Chouza, general manager for Uber in the Pacific Northwest. “For anyone not yet familiar with the app, I think they’ll find it reliable, convenient and easy to use. Essentially you tap a button on your phone to request a ride.”

Now available in more than 600 cities in 65 countries across six continents, Uber is an app that connects people who are looking for a reliable ride with people looking to earn money by providing rides.

"I am excited that our community will be able to take advantage of rideshare services like those offered by Uber,” said Mayor Vinis. “We have heard the call from many residents, especially students and the business community, for expanded rideshare services to help ensure convenient and safe travel at all hours across the metropolitan area. City staff are at the ready to begin processing driver signups. I'm glad the day has come!"

To celebrate the launch, Uber is offering Eugene riders $5 off up to 2 rides for a maximum $10 discount from the beginning of service through midnight Sept. 20. To take advantage of the discount, riders just need to enter the promo code ‘UberEugene’ in the Payments section of the Uber app. Other terms apply*.

Uber is also hosting a number of driver information sessions in Eugene on [Sep. 5 and 6]. Although signing up to drive is done online, the sessions next week will be an opportunity to get in-person assistance from Uber employees.

Eugene info session details are as follows:

  • Dates and times
  • Weds., Sept. 5, 12 - 3 p.m. and 3 - 6 p.m.
  • Thurs, Sept. 6, 8 - 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Location
  • Coffee Plant Roasters (across the street from Les Schwab, Uber’s designated vehicle inspection location for Eugene), 2836 W 11th Ave.

Uber’s Eugene launch is possible because the City Council modernized the rules that regulate the operation of transportation network companies (TNCs) in the city. A coalition of TNC supporters, including the Eugene and Springfield Area Chambers of Commerce, local student leaders, and members of the Technology Association of Oregon, advocated that the city council take action that would enable companies like Uber to operate in Eugene.

“We are elated for Uber to begin operations Thursday in Eugene-Springfield and are immensely thankful to City staff and partners that have helped our community reach this exciting milestone,” said Matt Sayre, Vice President of the Technology Association of Oregon.

As with using the Uber app in any other city, once the service launches in Eugene, the easiest way for users to find a reliable and convenient ride will be to simply open the Uber app and request a trip. The app can be downloaded for iOS and Android.

Not only is Uber an easy way for people to make extra money and a convenient way to access transportation, it is also a reliable alternative to driving for people who should not be behind the wheel.

“Requesting a ride with Uber provides a safer option for people who have consumed too much alcohol or find themselves too impaired to drive,” said Janelle Lawrence, executive director for Oregon Impact, a nonprofit organization Uber has supported that holds educational events on impaired and distracted driving throughout the state. "I believe services like Uber help people make better decisions before they get get behind the wheel."

For media interested in speaking with an Uber representative and/or attending the ceremonial first ride, please email nhambley@uber.com in advance.

Event and photo op details

CEREMONIAL FIRST RIDE WITH EUGENE MAYOR

What: Uber’s ceremonial first ride in Eugene mayor Lucy Vinis

When: Thurs., Sept. 6, 10:00 a.m.

Where: Arcimoto Manufacturing Plant 2034 W 2nd Ave, Eugene, OR 97402

Who: Lucy Vinis, Eugene Mayor; Matt Sayre, driver

Additional community leader statement

“Ridesharing services like Uber provide another tool for people in our community to have reliable transportation options and flexible earning opportunities. Expanding transportation access in our community is important and I support ridesharing’s positive potential.”

Christine L. Lundberg, Mayor, Springfield

“After years of advocacy, collaboration and hard work by city staff, community members and ridesharing companies, we are excited to welcome Uber to our community. We look forward to continued partnership with Uber and are ready to see their service active in Eugene and Springfield.”
Brittany Quick-Warner, President and CEO, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

“All along there has been a strong sense of commitment on the part of all involved to find a way to make this happen. It feels pretty good to be able to recommend Uber’s ridesharing service alongside so many other great ways to get to, from, in, and around Springfield and Eugene.”

Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

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*Maximum discount of $5 per Uber trip, and maximum of 2 Uber trips per rider. Does not apply to tips. Cannot be combined with other promotions/discounts. Terms subject to change. No cash value. Limited availability.

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