Uber in Chicago
Uber, launched in Chicago in September 2011, is a mobile app that lets people, now 21 cities worldwide, request a private driver or TAXI at the touch of a button. We’ve worked hard here locally to be a reliable, affordable, and convenient transportation option for the tens of thousands of Chicagoans that have taken advantage of our service.
Since our launch, we’ve been busy. We’ve launched great local campaigns including Restaurant Week - which discounted rides to Chicago’s best restaurants, and our Anniversary Week - which celebrated Chicago’s unique neighborhoods. After launching as only a Black car service, we brought that same convenience and efficiency to TAXI rides as well in April, showing that high quality should be available at all price points.
The Uber Chicago team also had fun along the way- putting Ice Cream trucks on the system in July, and on-demand DJ party buses on the system around Lollapalooza. We’ve also had a growing social media presence with our Twitter follower number at almost 6,000, and always publishing new content on our blog. Throughout that time, we’ve also sponsored hundreds of events and become ingrained in the community.
Growth and Hiring Update
With that success, there’s also been immense growth. Allen Penn and I launched Uber in Chicago, and have brought on five additional full time employees since launch. We’re also excited to let Chicago know that the hiring continues! We’ll be looking for another Community Manager in Chicago (
job now posted on this site!), as well as teams to help us remotely launch
Milwaukee and Detroit from Chicago.
Chicago Community Manager - here we're looking for a grinder, someone who's ready to deal with everythign client facing from managing customer support issues, running social media campaigns, and being out and about as one of the faces of Uber in Chicago.
Associate GM for Detroit & Milwaukee - this role owns the supply and demand side of a city. You make the magic that is Uber a reality. It’s a big deal, and the qualities and capabilities required of an Uber AGM require that you be an incredibly intelligent, talented and highly sought-after professional.
Regulatory Issues in Chicago
Uber has also felt the challenges associated with this growth and innovation.
Proposed Chicago regulations would prohibit Uber’s Black car service from operating in Chicago. In addition to preventing Uber from bringing the style and safety to your transportation, these regulations would limit the earning potential of over 1,000 drivers who partner with Uber. By restricting the use of technology in the transportation industry, these regulations also raise concerns for anyone who believes that innovation is the key to Chicago's future growth and status as a truly world-class city.
We're in the process of working with the city of Chicago and for now our service remains operational. We can’t thank Chicagoans enough for their amazing support.
Our petition in November garnered over 5,000 signatures, and received support from the likes of Jason Fried and Jeff Garlin, along with many others.
Uber OnFor now, we’d love for you to take a ride if you haven’t - sign up at
Uber.com/go or download the app on iPhone and Android. Also make sure to let your awesome friends know about our job postings, we’re looking for the best and the brightest :).
Feel free to reach out on Twitter with any questions.
We're also pumped to announce that Uber Sleigh Toy Drive will be taking a second spin around Chicago in the coming weeks. Look for updates on our Twitter this week!
We look forward to seeing you on the road soon!
- Max and the Uber Chicago Team
