The Alaskan Way Viaduct is one of Seattle’s most important transportation arteries. So, when it closes for a 9-day period beginning this Friday night, it is likely to cause chaos for Seattle commuters (especially those stuck in West Seattle).
But Uber — the private driving service that launched to much fanfare in Seattle two months ago — is looking to help Seattleites avoid the pain (at least for a few days). During the construction project, Uber will offer a 50 percent discount to those riders who input the codes “FUBAR” or “VIADUCT” on their Uber profiles. The promotion runs from Monday October 24th to Thursday October 27th, prime commute times.
“…The viaduct has been such an iconic story in Seattle’s transportation history, right up there with the Monorail and our triangulated streets,” said Uber spokeswoman Michelle Broderick. “And, now that it will be closed for ten days, the city will need transportation alternatives. Our goal is to make getting around Seattle as frictionless as possible.”
Uber is unlike other chauffeur services, since it relies on customers to contact drivers (and watch the progress of their arrival) through iPhone and Android apps. The company works exclusively with private Town Car drivers.
If you’re forced to jump into your car during the 9-day closure, The Washington State Department of Transportation is suggesting these detour routes. Even better, it is encouraging folks to telecommute. So, maybe now is the time to make the big pitch to the boss about working from home.
Previously on GeekWire: Confessions of an Uber driver: An inside look at Seattle’s new private driver service
