Archive for December, 2011

Uber is a tech company that connects consumers with luxury sedan drivers available for hire using their smartphone app available on Google Android and Apple iPhones (everyone else can use texting to order Uber cars). It’s like using your phone to hail a limousine in cyberspace. A luxury sedan pulls up 10 minutes after ordering a car inside the app, which uses GPS to pinpoint your location. The cars also have GPS linked into the Uber app so you can actually watch your driver get closer and closer on the map. I’ve ridden in the traditional black Lincoln Towncars, but also Mercedes and Cadillacs. Compared to a cab fare, it costs about 30% more to ride the same distance in an Uber. But it’s hassle-free and tipping is structured into the fare, which is automatically factored into the charge that goes straight onto your credit card. No signing a credit slip, no fumbling with cash or change. It’s seamless. The service is genius.

Two weekends ago I rode around in Uber cars* like the one below while street-style hunting. I also rode in Uber cars* to visit Andrea and Jena at their homes to photograph them for the Michael Kors collaboration. It was AMAZING! I literally felt like a princess being chauffeured around Chicago like that. I use Uber when riding home from my friends’ houses and events late at night. I’ve been in a couple taxicab accidents, both of which were due to reckless driving by the cabbie, so if I’m not on the CTA (how I travel 99% of the time) I’m in an Uber. I sold my car after moving to Chicago because I didn’t want to pay for gas, insurance, or parking. I pay the $86 a month for unlimited CTA rides, I use Zipcar to run errands twice a month, and I use Uber if I’m out past 10 p.m. My transportation costs still are far below those of my friends who own a car. Even if you own a car in Chicago, I’m sure you use taxis to get around at night and when you’re exploring the city. If you’re like me, you know that it’s worth the little extra money to treat yourself to a hassle-free ride in a luxury sedan.

Since I love Uber so much and I know my readers will too, I’ve worked out a deal for all of you. Download the App from the iTunes or Android stores and set up your account. To receive $10 off your first ride enter the code CHISTREETSTYLE in the promotional code box! I can’t wait to hear how your Uber rides are. Tweet at me on twitter, @ChiStreetStyle. Not only is it the perfect way to pick up your date in style or arrive at an event, it’s also a relaxing way to travel home at the end of a stressful workday. Although I adore the CTA and couldn’t survive without it, sometimes it’s wonderful to roll up to places in a limousine. Then again, who doesn’t enjoy a little self-indulgence now and then?

Visit Uber.com for more information on how to sign up.

*FCC Disclosure: Uber provided transportation free of charge that day.