Austin mayor, Uber brainstorm how to expand accessible, sustainable transit systems

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson joined Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Monday to talk about the future of accessible and sustainable transit access in Austin and beyond.

The featured session was part of the 2024 South by Southwest Conference and Festivals. During it, both Watson and Khosrowshahi discussed city-led and company-based initiatives to promote cleaner mass transit use, while also addressing pinch points in need of remedy.

In Austin, that attention on public transit ranges from micro-mobility resources like electric bikes and scooters to mass transit efforts like the Project Connect program in development, Watson said. With attention on public transportation comes continued conversations on sustainability efforts, both Watson and Khosrowshahi said.

With Austin attracting a younger population, Khosrowshahi added this is a key demographic calling for increased mindfulness on sustainability initiatives. As a company, he said Uber has outlined a 2030 goal for emissions-free, all-electric use among its fleet in the United States and Europe. By 2040, Uber is targeting emissions-free services worldwide.

Noting those goals, Khosrowshahi said Uber has launched several efforts to incentivizing company drivers to embrace electric vehicle technology. Uber has partnered with Hearst for an EV rental program, where drivers can test-drive operating an EV before making a permanent trip.

Uber also operates direct deals with Tesla for $200 off services and other EV incentives, while EV drivers make more money per ride, due to a reduced take-rate Uber has implemented.

Right now, the company has more than 125,000 EVs in its fleet, with plans to double that on a continually, near daily basis. On the Uber Eats end of things, Khosrowshahi said company heads are working with their participating merchants to invest in environmentally-friendly packaging to minimize product waste.

Currently in Austin, the city has more than $25 billion's worth of mobility and infrastructure projects at play, when looking at Project Connect, the airport's overhaul and the Interstate 35 expansion projects. Among those, Watson credited the Project Connect program as a critical investment opportunity into more sustainable transit.

That endeavor includes both the city's first light rail system, as well as enhances to bus and passenger rail services. Still, he noted it hasn't always been easy progressing mass transit initiatives.

"The citizens voted [for] Project Connect, which includes light rail," Watson said. "It's under assault but it is key to our ability to protect the environment, and it's key to our ability to be sustainable in terms of people being able to afford to live here."

Part of that city-led effort not only includes expanding or building out new mass transit infrastructure, Watson said, but tying it into the existing macro and micro-mobility systems across town. That means connecting bus and rail riders with scooters, e-bikes and rideshare services to help complete those first and last-mile connections.