The city of Rockford is considering a partnership with Uber, the company whose smartphone app connects people with the nearest taxi or rideshare car at the click of a button.
Mayor Larry Morrissey sees it as a way to help residents get to jobs in places not served by buses. He tells the Rockford Register Star that the city could use federal grants to help subsidize commuters’ trips in Uber cars, so long as they are to and from work.
Uber Chicago General Manager Chris Taylor says such a partnership would be a first for the 5-year-old tech company. Uber representatives met with Rockford’s mayor recently to discuss bringing service to the city.
Morrissey says Uber could help fill gaps in the city’s public transportation network.