The goal of the initiative is to both boost Uber's business and help reduce emissions.

Uber has been advocating for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and has already pledged $800 million to support its driver partners' transition to EVs by 2040. While it's unclear how much of Uber's current fleet comprises EVs, the company has partnered with rental car company Hertz to offer Tesla cars as a rental option for its drivers in the US and Europe.

Up to 175 car owners in seven cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver, will be selected for the "One Less Car" program, which is set to begin on July 22nd. Those selected will receive $500 in Uber credits, a $200 voucher for car rental or carshare services, and $300 to be used for alternate modes of transportation, such as public transport.

Last year, a similar initiative by Uber in Australia revealed that commuters primarily turned to walking, cycling, and ride-sharing after giving up their cars. This success highlights the potential impact of the "One Less Car" program in reducing both traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

This initiative comes at a time when many transportation operators, including major US airlines, are expecting a surge in tourist activity and travel during the summer period. Uber's move aims to tap into this increased demand while also addressing the issue of private vehicle overuse. According to Uber, there are currently 233 million private vehicles in the US, with approximately 80 million of them being driven less than 10 miles per day on average.

By encouraging commuters to temporarily ditch their cars and utilize alternative modes of transport, Uber hopes to make a tangible impact on traffic congestion, air pollution, and overall sustainability. The success of this program will undoubtedly contribute to Uber's ongoing efforts to create a greener and more eco-friendly transportation landscape.