"JFK said that Washington is a city of southern efficiency and northern charm. We like to think Über is bringing southern charm and northern efficiency to D.C. transportation," Travis Kalanick told The Georgetown Dish. Über's CEO is in town this week for the official December 15th launch of the on-demand private driver service already in six U.S. cities and, as of last week, Paris.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Rachel Holt with Paris map
In beta testing here for less than a month, over 2,000 clients have already signed up.
Travis had the idea back in 2008, living in San Francisco where it was tough to get a cab when you needed one, especially with the hilly terrain.
Now that almost everyone has access to a smart phone, the technology has caught up with his idea. Launched in San Francisco in June of 2010, Über has quickly expanded to New York, Boston, Seattle, Chicago and now D.C.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Washington D.C Über 'ground traffic control'
It's been 18 hours since I met Über, and it's hard to imagine an ordinary cab ride again. You download the free app and Über asks you where you'd like to be picked up. A driver is dispatched, and usually arrives within a few minutes. It's a black Town Car, Mercedes or SUV and it's ready to take you wherever you want to go.
While you're waiting, for your driver, you can call or text. When the ride is over, you can rate the service.
Since you've already registered with a credit card, no cash is needed. Depending on the traffic and destination, the cost is a little more than a cab ride, or may be even cheaper with a group or multiple drop-offs.
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Über lunch at Graffiato restaurant
(Photo by: Judith Beermann)
Über's Rachel Holt and Travis Kalanick
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