Uber has launched the “One Less Car” challenge, inviting participants in select North American cities to give up their personal vehicles for five weeks in exchange for $1,000.
As traffic congestion and fuel costs continue to increase, urban areas are facing huge challenges that impact both the environment and residents’ quality of life.
Increasing vehicle ownership contributes to longer commute times, worsened air pollution, and escalating transportation expenses.
To address these issues, Uber is leveraging the “One Less Car” challenge, aimed at encouraging a change towards a car-light lifestyle.
Uber’s “One Less Car” challenge is designed to promote the benefits of reducing car dependency as well as air pollution.
Running from July 22 to August 25, the initiative invites participants in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Miami, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver to give up their personal cars for five weeks.
In exchange, participants will receive a $1,000 stipend, which includes $500 in Uber Cash, a $200 car rental or car-sharing voucher, $300 for public transit, and a free Uber One membership.
Eligibility for the challenge requires participants to be 18 or older, have a valid driver’s license, use their car at least three times a week, possess a bank card, and agree to document their experiences.
Uber hopes to select 175 participants across the seven cities, providing them with the resources needed in urban environments using alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, cycling, walking, and ridesharing.
The stipend aims to cover the average monthly cost of car ownership, allowing participants to explore the feasibility and convenience of a car-light lifestyle.
By partnering with the Behavioural Insights Team, a research consultancy specializing in behavioural science, Uber will analyze the participants’ experiences and gather data on the impact of car-light living on daily life.
The “One Less Car” challenge is not Uber’s first move into promoting reduced car usage. A similar trial conducted in Australia in 2023 saw participants successfully replace most of their car trips with alternative transportation methods, leading to a reduction in the number of weekly car trips.
The Australian trial demonstrated that with access to a variety of transportation options, individuals could greatly reduce their reliance on personal vehicles.
Uber’s initiative is working to encourage sustainable urban living. With nearly 233 million private vehicles on the road in the U.S. alone, a good portion of which are driven less than 10 miles a day, there is a clear opportunity to reduce car dependency.
In promoting a car-light lifestyle, Uber aims to help cities become more livable, reduce emissions, and save residents money.
The challenge goes beyond providing financial incentives to also highlighting the potential health benefits of using active transportation methods like walking and cycling. Reduced car usage can lead to decreased traffic congestion, improved air quality, and a more pleasant urban environment.
Residents of the selected cities interested in participating in the “One Less Car” challenge can apply through Uber’s official website.
The first week of the challenge will serve as a control period, during which participants will document their current mobility habits. This baseline data will help measure the impact of switching to alternative transportation methods during the subsequent weeks.
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