Uber launches pilot project UberGREEN in Johannesburg

UberGREEN is a pilot project taking place between Monday, 9 May and Friday, 3 June in Johannesburg. During the pilot, riders will be able to request a BMW i3 or Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, operated by Uber driver partners in Johannesburg at uberX prices, helping provide a more sustainable trip at an affordable price. Woolworths WRewards members will be thrilled to know that they will be among the first to have access to these vehicles for a limited period before the pilot officially opens to public.

 

“Woolworths is pleased to partner with Uber South Africa on the launch of UberGREEN. The fact that Uber is offering riders the opportunity to choose a carbon emission-free method of transport is in line with the principles of Woolworths’ Good Business Journey, so the collaboration was a natural fit,” says Hannah Ross, head of customer relationship management at Woolworths.

 

“In a world where mobility adds to the carbon emission problem, we at Uber are eager to provide alternate options. Uber is passionate about making rides better and more sustainable and this partnership is a step towards making changes for the good of our environment,” says Alon Lits, general manager, Uber Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

The Department of Transport projects that energy demand for transportation will grow by 2.5% per year, between 1999 and 2020. This has posed a great challenge to the transport industry to drastically reduce emissions.

 

“In order for the momentum of electric mobility to increase partnerships like the one with Uber are essential to expose more consumers to the viability of electric vehicles and alternative mobility options,” says Tim Abbott, managing director of the BMW Group South Africa.

 

Dudu Mwelase, general manager of corporate affairs Nissan South Africa adds that they are excited that other like-minded auto companies are joining in on the electric vehicle revolution towards a sustainable future.

 

Since the international market launch at the end of 2013, close to 50 000 BMW i3’s have been sold. The BMW i3 was launched in South Africa in March 2015 and to date 124 vehicles have been sold. The Nissan LEAF has sold close to 200 000 vehicles globally and as a result over 1 billion emission free kilometres have been driven. The Nissan LEAF is the first fully electric vehicle to market and was awarded the title of World Car of the Year in 2010.

 

Uber envisions a future where getting around is simpler, more accessible and more sustainable. We are excited to bring our Johannesburg riders UberGREEN,” says Lits.

 

As UberGREEN is in a trial phase it will only be available between 07:00 and 19:00. The option may be restricted to some areas of Johannesburg, especially during rush hour.

  

For more information, visit uber.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitteror on Instagram.