[Iabs-talk] Receive a Free $15 Uber Ground Transportation Credit for NFB Washington Seminar 2012

[Hai Nguyen Ly]

http://nfbma.org/uber

Receive a Free $15 Uber Ground Transportation Credit for NFB Washington Seminar 2012

Uber is an on-demand private driving service that instantly connects you to a professional private driver via SMS. Uber is also available in cities like Washington, NYC, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and even Paris. As part of the NFB Washington Seminar 2012 event, we have arranged a $15 attendee discount for new users to Uber. This $15 credit, in most cases, should get you a free ride between the Holiday Inn Capitol and the House or Senate office buildings. You can of course use the service and discount code for any other ride as well.

There are three steps to taking your ride:

Step 1: Sign up at http://Uber.com
and enter the promo code NFBWS12. The promo code is not case sensitive.

Step 2: You should receive a text message from Uber and you should reply "GO". If you do not receive a confirmation text message, text "GO" to 827-222 and you should receive a response. This completes the link between your cell phone and your new Uber account.

Step 3: Request your ride via SMS text message to 827-222 and ride in style! Simply text the address you are at, for example: 550 C Street SW, DC. Respond "YES" to the text message to confirm your ride request. You will receive an estimated time of arrival, and your drivers name and telephone number.

Below are some frequently asked questions you may have, and that address some situations:

Q: How can I find out more about Uber?
A: Visit their web site at https://www.uber.com or follow @uber_dc on Twitter. You can ask questions via Twitter, as well.

Q: What are some typical Uber fares in the area of the Washington Seminar?
A: Most fares in the Capitol Hill area or downtown should range between $15-25. Fares may vary based on traffic and distance from your location.

Q: Why do I need to enter in my credit card information?
A: Uber will charge your credit card any additional balance beyond the $15 credit, and for any future rides you take. Uber drivers do not handle cash and tip is included in the rate. When the ride is over, you simply exit the car, and the payment is automatically charged to your credit card.

Q: What if I signed up on the Uber site, but I did not enter the promotion code?
A: You can text the NFBWS12 code to Uber at the same 827-222 SMS short code, and it will be added to your account as long as you have not yet taken an Uber ride.

Q: How can I verify the promotion is on my account?
A: Log in to your account at https://www.uber.com and access your dashboard. Then click "promotions." You can view and add promotion codes on this screen as well as during sign-up, and by SMS text message.

Q: What about the iOS and Android Uber apps? Are they accessible?
A: There are known issues being addressed by Uber development with the iOS and Android app. You may be able to access some functions with in the app, but the text message interface is recommended at this time until a new version is released. In particular, the function to rate a driver in the iOS app is not accessible, and the app may get stuck on this screen preventing you from booking additional rides through the app.

Q: Why is Uber running this promotion, and why are we partnering with them?
A: Uber is excited to be involved in the communities it serves, and often works to cross-promote events. The partnership will also extend the dialog we have in place to bring about more accessibility to the Uber apps. In short, we’ll get to know Uber and they’ll get to know us, which is a good thing! Also, we are partnering with innovative brands and technologies to enhance member experience and spread the word about accessibility and universal design.

Q: Why use Uber instead of a cab?
A: Uber is an entirely different transportation alternative for DC that is convenient, reliable, and comfortable. Rather than waiting outside in the cold to hail a cab, you can instead request a ride via SMS and know exactly when it will arrive. In addition, Uber rides are all in high-end vehicles such as Lincoln Town Cars, Mercedes-Benz, high-end SUV's, and more, with professional drivers who are happy to take you anywhere you need to go.

Q: What if I have questions not answered here, that I cannot find on the Uber web site, or I need help with something from the company?
A: Alex Priest, the Uber DC Community Manager is happy to help you out, you can reach him at supportDC at uber.com, or on Twitter at Uber_DC.
You can also tweet me @pyyhkala with your feedback, but you should contact the company directly for help with any specific rides or transactions.