UberBoston

Uber Boston’s Message on the Marathon Tragedy

Dear Uberettos,

We share with all of you our concern, sadness, and outrage regarding Monday’s events at the Boston Marathon. The Uber team extends its deepest sympathy to the Boston community and everyone who was affected by this tragedy.

We will continue to mourn for those that lost lives and the many that were injured. However, Boston is strong. Our community has lent a helping hand in times of need – offering their homes to those displaced and donating blood to the wounded.

We realize that getting around Boston is not easy right now - Uber will be providing up to two free rides on Uber Black, SUV, or UBERx for each user to and from the following hospitals through Wednesday, April 24th:

• Boston Medical Center
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Tufts Medical Center
• St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
• Carney Hospital

There’s no need to enter a promo code – a discount of up to $40 will apply automatically. We hope this will make the commute easier for medical workers, ease travel plans for friends and family, and enable those that have lent their assistance the past couple of days to attend services around Boston.

If you know of an organization in need of transportation that is not listed above, please do not hesitate to reach out to supportboston[AT]uber[DOT]com.

We are proud to be a part of the Greater Boston community and are confident that our resilience will come to the forefront again.

-The Uber Boston Team

Uber Boston <3 26.2

Marathon Monday is arguably one of the most celebrated holidays in Boston, and Uber’s got some surprises for riders and runners this Marathon week!

UBERx Tesla is out of the garage:

This weekend a Tesla Model S will be available on UBERx! In case you haven’t had a chance to try UBERx, it offers the convenience of Uber at around the cost of a cab. Pumped for your chance to grab a sweet pair of kicks? Tell your friends!

1. Open up your Uber app and you’ll find the UBERx option along the bottom, along with TAXI, Black, and SUV.

2. Select UBERx to give it a try - typically UBERx vehicles are mid-range makes and models (Camry, Prius, Taurus).

3. You may get a special surprise and be picked up by a Tesla Model S! It will be on the road from 2pm-8pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Each rider lucky enough to get the Tesla will also receive a pair of the “Paul Revere” New Balance 890v3. If your size isn’t available we’ll give you a certificate good for a free pair of New Balance shoes.

4. During peak times, UBERx may be hard to find so if you don’t get a ride on first attempt, keep trying!

Uber’s Going Running:

Do you remember the #NeononNeon tanks from last summer? This time around we’ve screened some custom running tops and will be on site at running clubs to hand them out. Check out the schedule and be sure to come out early!

1. TMIRCE (The Most Informal Running Club Ever) - Tuesday, April 9th, 6:30pm (Track at Harvard Coliseum, 65 N Harvard Street, Allston, MA)

2. Hill Club - Wednesday, April 10th, 7pm (Heartbreak Hill Running Company, 638 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA)

3. SEAC > Speed - Thursday, April 11th, 6:30pm (South End Athletic Company, 652 Tremont Street, Boston, MA)

Happy riding (and running)!

Introducing Neighborhood Love

The Uber Boston team loves to eat (and drink) our way around the city. We thought it was time to give Uberites a reason to try out our favorite places. Starting April 8th through the 28th, we’re running our first Neighborhood Love promotion to give both our new and existing riders a reason to explore Boston’s hoods with discounts on rides and at our favorite local businesses. This month we’re kicking off with the Theater District and the Downtown Crossing area!

New Uber users can enter the code “BosAprilNL” for a free Uber BLACK or UberX ride to or from the Theater District/DTX. Existing users can enter code “BosAprilNLExt” for 25% of one ride in that hood.

Check out a few of our favorite places, and be sure to show your Uber receipt to receive a special. See below for details:

Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen is perfect for all of the oenophiles out there. Wine is presented 4 ways, ranging from by the sip, half glass, full 10 oz glass, to the bottle. And the food selection isn’t too shabby either! They have something to satisfy any craving with their variety of shareable plates (the Arancini is a personal favorite) and even sushi. 

• For all Uberites who ride to the restaurant, Sip will take 25% off the food bill in the dining room through the 28^th. Show your receipt to redeem.

JM Curley is named for four-time mayor, James Michael Curley, and has a “Law and Order” with house rules that makes us love this place even more. They have unique snacks such as a jelly donut fried in bacon fat, and boast a late night menu sure to satisfy any craving whether it’s burgers or sweets. JM Curley has an extensive beer selection with over 40 beers, and a cocktail menu that is anything but ordinary. Even a standard G&T has a twist with yellow chartreuse and bark powder.

• Show your Uber receipt to receive a free order of French Fries

Max and Dylans is perfect for anyone who wants comfort food with an upscale flair. It’s known for its many Mac and Cheese interpretations, 5 slider options including filet mingnon, and flatbreads. They also feature appetizers, salads and entrees in a relaxed environment. 

• If you ride to your reservation, Max and Dylans will take 25% off the food bill through the 28^th. Show your Uber receipt to redeem the discount.

Stoddard’s is located in a historic building, and the decor matches it’s heritage with indoor lampposts and exposed brick. The craft cocktail menu is arguably one of the most extensive in the city, and if you’re in need of a refreshing drink, definitely check out their Moscow Mule served in a classic copper mug. They even put a New England twist on an old southern favorite with Lobster Hush Puppies. Definitely a must have!

Uber and the Craft Beer Pavilion

I don’t know about you, but we’re already sick and tired of this Winter weather. If we’re going out, it’s got to be for something awesome, which is why we’re pretty jazzed to announce our partnership with the Boston Globe Travel Show’s Craft Beer Pavilion. The Pavilion gives attendees the opportunity to sample beers from over 20 different breweries, offering nearly 50 different beers! I for one couldn’t think of a better way to keep warm, which is why we’ve teamed with the Craft Beer Pavilion to offer special discounted tickets to the event. 

That’s right. We’ve got 90 discounted tickets available for only $15 each! You can purchase your Uber-discounted tickets here. Be sure to enter promo code: “UBR3” when you purchase your ticket for the discount. 

Free Limos on NYE from Uber and 6one7!

While the New Year can bring peace of mind and a fresh start, there is still plenty to worry about on December 31st. What party am I going to? Will I be able to see the fireworks? Though we can’t help you with those big life questions, we want to take the stress out of figuring out how you and your entourage are going to get to and from the festivities.

6one7 is hosting some awesome parties! Figure out your NYE plans at www.bostonnye.com, and check out the party to end all parties at  www.studio57.eventbrite.com.

Ring in the New Year in style with your very own on-demand limo! Uber is teaming up with 6one7 and The Revere to give you the chance to win FREE on-demand limos all night long. Just sign up at www.uber.com/go/BostonNYE to be entered in a drawing to be one of the 20 lucky winners who get free limos to take you to and from wherever you need to go.

Seriously! If you get selected, you’ll open your app on NYE to a brand spankin’ new ONE NIGHT ONLY vehicle choice, the Stretch Limo. So pop that code and tell your friends, because the more of your entourage that enters, the better chance you have of rolling like a hip hop mogul for FREE on NYE. 

Already an Uber user? No problem. Pop into the app (or online) and enter promo code “BostonNYE” to be entered to win!

Welcome to Fine Printville, population you.

• The 20 lucky winners will be announced on December 31st, 2012. 

• If chosen as a winner, simply change your car type to “Limo” and click “Set Pickup Location”

• These Limos are for getting you to and from your parties. Balling out is encouraged, but don’t joyride for the sake of the ride. 

• If you are one of the winners, don’t forget to tweet a pic to @Uber_Bos #OMGUBERLIMO :)

As always, if you have any questions, shoot us an email at supportboston@uber.com

Take some Black Cars on Black Friday!

Black cars… Black Friday? It’s like… too easy. That’s why we’re giving out $15 Uber ride tickets to anyone who takes 3 or more Uber BLACKs during the intense shop-till-you-drop experience that is Black Friday.

If you take 3 or more Uber rides on Black Friday, we’ll be emailing you a sweet code good for $15 off your next Uber ride! All you have to do is enter “blackfridayboston” into www.uber.com/promo or in your Uber app by clicking the Account tab and going to “promotion code”.

Wait… what? You haven’t tried Uber? Woah… it’s cool, I won’t tell anyone. In fact, here’s $20 off of your first ride this Friday to help get you to those deals quickly and in style. Just enter promo code “blackfridaytwitter” into your app when you sign up, or sign up online here!

Fine Print:

All discounts and promotions are for BLACK car only, not TAXI.

$20 discount is for New Users only. 

Discount only applies in the Greater Boston Area

Discount valid from 12am to 6pm, Friday, November 23rd, 2012. 

As always, questions can be sent to supportboston@uber.com :) 

Stay Uber Cool on Marathon Monday

With temperatures soaring well into the 80s on Marathon Monday, runners are going to be hard-pressed to best Geoffrey Mutai’s Boston Marathon record of 02:03:01. While Boston heats up for the Red Sox and the race, we’ll be hitting the street to keep you cool and refreshed!

Whenever you’ve had enough of Sam Adam’s new ‘26.2’ or the crowds lining Kenmore and the finish line, we’ll have plenty of Ubers on hand with air conditioning on full blast to escort you from the madness! As an added bonus, we’re stocking them Vita Coco coconut water for some marathon-worthy hydration.

In case you’re looking for a place to watch the race, we’ll be at Forum (755 Boylston) handing out SWAG (hello ‘Uber’ wristbands) and maybe requesting an Uber or two to get a runner home in style. We’re doing our stretching for a big day on Monday so hope to see you after the Red Sox game or during the race!

In Memory of Wakefield, We’re Throwing Boston a Knuckleball.

If you guys (and gals) are like me, you’re probably feeling like you could do a better job on the field than our boys of summer right now. 

We can’t get you guys out on Fenway (we’re just not that cool… yet), but we can do you one better. It’s time to put together your own Uber team, so here’s the deal.

If you can build a baseball team (8 new Uber users + you =Uber Sandlot) by this weekend (Friday @ 5pm eastern), we’re going to give you a weekend pass of Uber. How do you do it? Simple. Just use your refer-a-friend code (details below) to refer 8 people to Uber by Friday night and we’ll give you a code for free Uber for the weekend. Not sure you can get the bench filled? Not a problem. Hit a triple (refer 3 friends) and we’ll give you an extra $30 of Uber credit in addition to the $10 you’ll get normally when each of them takes their first ride! 

How to use your Refer-A-Friend

Log into your account at www.uber.com and click “invite friends”. You’ll be linked to a personal invite code link that can be shared via Email, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Smoke Signals, Pirate Radio Broadcasts, Courrier Pigeon, Messages in Bottles, Stolen Listservs, Billboards, Texting, and AOL Instant Messenger (back when it was, you know, the good stuff). 

Questions? No problem, I’ve got answers. Shoot me an email at nick@uber.com and we’ll work it out :)

So in the lamest, most transparent sports metaphor ever, hit one out of the park (groan).

The finest of fine print:

1. Weekend pass of Uber is capped at $150 Uber credit (no going to Vegas #Sorry)
2. Weekend pass expires at midnight on Sunday (like the pumpkin carriage from that Disney movie) 
3. Uber cannot actually get you playing for the Red Sox (we asked)

 

Uber Intern

Are you a junior or senior at an accredited Boston/Cambridge university?

Do you have mad Photoshop skillz?

Can you photoshop me into a werewolf? (not a twilight werewolf). 

When you craft content, do your parents print out the webpage and put it on their refrigerator? 

Uber Boston is seeking a part-time (for credit) or full-time (we’ll talk) summer intern to help run an early stage start-up on the Boston scene. Must be local, won’t pay for relocation (but we have snacks). Southie accent preferred, but not a deal-breaker. 

Retweet this Tumblr and shoot me an email at nick@uber.com with questions, your resume and my werewolf picture for consideration.  

Here’s the pic. Wolf it up… be gentle. 

The Price is Right

One of our favorite shows growing up was the ‘Price is Right’. If you remember, the trick on that show was getting the price just right… without going over!

Here at Uber we do a lot of work and analysis to make sure that prices are ‘just right’ for both riders and Uber drivers. Too low and drivers have trouble paying for the ever-rising costs of filling up their cars. Too high and riders are better off walking - after all, Boston is America’s Walking City!

That’s why today we’re rolling out two changes to pricing: (1) airports and (2) surge pricing on weekend evenings.

Airports Flat Rates now $45 to/from Boston and $55 to/from Cambridge

If you’ve never tried to book an airport transfer in Boston, you know that it’s not cheap. Some range up to $120 to/from downtown Boston to Logan! When we first launched in Boston in October, we thought we were making airport rates ‘Uber’ by bringing fares down to $55 each way from Boston and $65 each way from Cambridge. This was also our way of convincing some of our early partners to work with us, as they’d not yet seen Uber in action on point-to-point routes in the city.

Fast forward several months and based on the feedback we’ve been hearing, there’s been a few times that riders have been surprised by the ‘flat rate’ to the airport. Sometimes flat rates aren’t perfect since they can be over twice the cost of a cab; however we use them because we don’t want to make you read the fine print on airport tolls/surcharges. Uber Boston rates, we’re dropping these fares by $10 each way starting on Monday, March 26th. No surcharges. No surprises. $45 each way to Boston. $55 each way to Cambridge.

If you have any questions about what rate applies to your specific pick up, just shoot us an email at supportboston@uber.com! We’ve also updated our city page here.

Surge Pricing on Weekend Evenings

Boston’s heating up. Quite literally. we don’t like idle small talk talking about the weather, but this week has been been ridiculous (Totally grabbing a pair of white summer pants #ridiculousness)!

When it’s 70+ degrees outside, restaurants are full and bars are packed. If you’ve Ubered on weekends between 12am and 3am, you’ve probably noticed it can get hard to find a car. This is because of a crazy wild demand spike (thanks a lot, last call) coupled with drivers wanting to go home or finding other business as we stay out until the early morning. 

This trend is becoming even more apparent as the thermostat rises, and after weeks of testing we’re rolling out surge pricing on weekend evenings. For the last several weeks we’ve been testing surge pricing for drivers only, and seen a dramatic increase in the number of Ubers available late in the evening. Last week we used it for St. Patrick’s Day. We always want to be a reliable ride, and surge pricing works.

In case you’re not familiar with surge pricing, we’ve covered this topic in-depth in the past during Halloween and NYE. Remember that if surge is active you’ll always see clear and concise messaging in the app or via SMS similar to that below:

We’re delighted to continue to bring efficiency to the world of car service with these pricing updates. Looking forward to more airport transfers and late night Chinatown pickups as the weather continues to heat up!