In brief: Would you stop using your car entirely for five weeks in exchange for $1,000 in cash and credits? Uber is making this offer in its One Less Car trial, which will see 175 people in the US and Canada taking part.
Uber notes that the cost of vehicle ownership is now at an all-time high, and that widespread car ownership impacts not just personal finances but also people’s health and the cities where they live. The ride-sharing giant says it’s why the company is introducing the One Less Car trial, though it’s likely more of a PR stunt than anything else.
The challenge, which runs from July 22 to August 25, is open to car owners in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Miami, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Participants will be given the equivalent of $1,000 – based on the average monthly cost for vehicle ownership in the US – to use alternative transportation options such as Uber rides, bike- and scooter-share, car rental and carshare, and public transportation to get around, instead of relying on their private car.
The money consists of $500 in Uber Cash that can be used for trips via the Uber app, car trips, or Lime bike and scooter share; a $200 car rental/carsharing voucher; and $300 for other transportation methods, such as public transit. Those taking part also get one month of free Uber One membership, allowing them to earn 6 percent Uber Cash on eligible rides and $0 delivery fees on eligible food, groceries, and more.
Requirements for taking part include being aged 18 or older and having a driver’s license, a vehicle that you use more than three times per week, and a bank card.
Participants will be asked to document their experience throughout the trial, taking note of what transportation alternatives they use and the impact embracing a car-light lifestyle makes on their everyday experiences.
This isn’t a new experiment for Uber. A similar program in 2023 saw it ask 58 Australians to give up their car for 4 weeks. Participants reported they were able to replace the majority of car trips with alternative transport methods such as walking, biking, and public transport. Uber concluded that people need access to at least four other modes of transportation to successfully abandon their cars, but only 58% of participants said they planned to sell their vehicles and start relying on alternative transport in the near future.
