July 10, 2016
As SEPTA confronts the sudden transportation crisis caused by last week's removal of a third of its regional rail fleet, Uber has swooped in with a $2.5 million investment to support Philadelphia commuters.
Within a single week, the region noticeably felt the pain of SEPTA's modified weekend schedule. Trains at capacity zipped by busy stations and stranded riders took to social media to lament the arrival of a #SEPTApocolypse. The transit service announced an improved modified schedule on Sunday. In the meantime, SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel says it's "unlikely" the cracked equalizer beams on 120 Silverliner V train cars can be repaired.
In response to SEPTA's uncertain timetable, Uber Philadelphia General Manager Jon Feldman announced that the ridesharing giant will launch a regional Philly Moves Together initiative.
To alleviate congestion and meet demand, the company will incentivize drivers during high-demand times and provide additional discounts to riders affected by the transit shortage.
There will also be expanded uberPOOL coverage at several locations in SEPTA's regional rail territory, enabling drivers with similar routes to share the cost of potentially longer trips. Getting from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City will be discounted to as low as $9. The map below indicates uberPOOL's new coverage areas through Philly Moves Together.
Philly uberPOOL coverage area.
• Manayunk/Norristown Line: Starting at Miquon
• Chestnut Hill West/East Lines: All stations
• Doylestown Line: Starting at Ambler
• Warminster Line: Starting at Willow Grove
• Fox Chase Line: All stations
• West Trenton Line: Starting at Somerton
• Trenton Line: Starting at Eddington
• Paoli/Thorndale Line: Starting at Bryn Mawr
• Media/Elwyn Line: Starting at Morton
• Wilmington/Newark Line: Starting at Ridley Park
• Airport Line: All stations
"This is Uber’s plan to help keep the city moving while reducing congestion on our streets, ensuring that people across the Philadelphia metro area have access to safe, reliable, and affordable rides during the Regional Rail disruption," Feldman said in a statement.
At a minimum, these expanded Uber services will be available through Labor Day, with other potential incentives and programs to come.
