Uber offers discounts this week in wake of I-85 bridge collapse

ajc.com

Credit: David Wickert

Credit: David Wickert

Looking for a way to avoid the frustration of driving in Atlanta after last week's I-85 bridge collapse? Uber has a proposition for you.

The ride-sharing service is offering a 25 percent discount on uberPOOL rides in metro Atlanta this week – that’s the service that allows you to share rides and split the cost with passengers heading in the same direction. The company will offer a 50 percent discount on uberPOOL rides that begin or end at MARTA stations. Both discounts will be available from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today through Friday.

The week of discounted rides is part of a $5 million investment Uber says it’s making in coming months “to help keep prices low and encourage area riders and drivers to help combat congestion” (and, of course, to expand its business) while the I-85 bridge is rebuilt. Uber also is guaranteeing drivers hourly fares to ensure there are enough of them that customers can catch a ride no matter how busy things get during rush hour.

The Uber discounts are just one response to the I-85 bridge collapse. State and local transportation agencies also are making adjustments. You can read more here.