DART, Uber stepping up “complete trip” efforts
North Texas travelers should find it easier to park their cars and let someone else do the driving thanks to an enhanced collaboration between DART and the popular car service, Uber.
Following a successful trial during the Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade, Uber and DART are helping travelers connect with the Uber application through DART’s GoPass mobile ticketing application. Now DART customers can reach the Uber app to order their car to begin or finish their transit trip through the “Events & Offers” section of the GoPass app. Both apps are available for Android and Apple smartphones through Google Play or the App Store.
This type of connection makes it easier for travelers who begin or end their trips in places not easily served by DART to use a train or bus for the longest portion of their trip. Transit agencies across the country are trying to solve the “first mile/last mile” riddle and the DART, Uber collaboration is seen as one way to do that.
To encourage people to try the new combination, Uber is offering a free first ride (up to $20) to new customers. Transit customers can use the GoPass app to plan a transit trip and purchase a DART pass before arriving at the station or stop.
Uber information is available at Uber.com and DART information is at DART.org.
This…accomplishes nothing. They can get an Uber anyway. Public transit is all about subsidies, I though DART would purchase rides wholesale for their customers and allow payment with their DART card or whatever. Lame.