Could $5 uberHOP Pilot be Seattle’s Traffic Decongestant?

Today, 76 percent of commuters in the U.S. drive to work by themselves. If they could share the trip (and the cost) with one or more commuters that would dramatically cut congestion, improving everyone’s quality of life. The journey would, indeed, become the reward.

Meet uberPOOL , a pilot program launching in Seattle this Thursday.  Could an innovative private solution be the answer to de-congested public transportation?

uberHOP will be available along select routes during commuting hours.

For the pilot, it will cost riders a flat fee of $5 for each ride, no matter how many people are in the vehicle. uberHOP’s uberXL vehicles can hold up to six people. Uber Seattle GM Brooke Steger told GeekWire that uberHOP will be operating on three routes from 7 a.m to 10 a.m and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Capitol Hill to downtown, Fremont to downtown, and Ballard to South Lake Union.  Round trip returns complete the loop.

Here’s how it works:

• Download the Uber app and select uberHOP.  Choose a route and request an uberHOP.

• Uber will pair you up with a driver as well as other commuters traveling in the same direction. You’ll then get directions on where and when to catch your ride.

• Using those directions, walk to your pickup location where a driver and your fellow commuters will meet you. You’ll need to be on time as your uberHOP driver will leave promptly.

• At the end of your journey, you’ll be dropped off at a pre-destined stop so you can walk the last few blocks to work.

If you want to share your commute, sign up with Uber who will check your driver’s license and driving record. On the days you’re driving to work and want to share the ride, switch on the app and we’ll pair you up with someone going the same way.

If you’re a passenger switch on the app and select uberPOOL, choose the “commuters” option and then enter your pickup location as well as your destination. Uber will then pair you up with a fellow commuter on the way to or from work so you can share the cost of the journey.

Standard Uber safety features will be in effect during and after the ride, such as  GPS tracking, share my ETA, and 2-way feedback.

Over time, Uber wants to  create credible alternatives to car ownership. After all, if you can press a button and get an affordable ride across town within minutes at any time of day or night, why bother to own a car at all? [24×7]