Transportation
Uber, a ride-sharaing company that largely has replaced taxis, is set to open a hub east of the Anacostia River. Uber hubs give assistance to drivers and potential drivers with any issues they may have.
WASHINGTON — Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that Uber will open a station east of the Anacostia River, calling it an “easier access” to support residents who drive for the company.
“We are excited to work hand in hand with Uber to spread prosperity and create more pathways to the middle class for D.C. residents,” Bowser said in a statement last month.
Uber driver Muhammad Dulra said moving the Uber hub to Southeast would be more convenient for him instead of driving to Forestville, Md., where the office is currently located.
“For [Uber] to go Southeast will be [better] than going to Forestville,” Dulra said.
Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity Courtney R. Snowden said Uber worked with D.C. officials to find a place in the district for a hub.
“What we’re really excited about is this will be really accessible to the community,” Snowden said.
Uber representative Bill Gibbons said that the company was excited to continue its business in D.C.
“At Uber, we are thrilled to deepen our commitment to Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area through our latest Greenlight Hub,” Gibbons said in a press release statement.
Gibbons also said the company will help thousands of drivers in Southeast once it is created.
“We have laid the groundwork for a state-of-the-art center that will serve thousands once fully operational. We look forward to opening our doors next year,” Gibbons continued.
About one-third of Uber drivers live in Wards 7 and 8, where a study by the Urban Institute said most of the residents in that part of the city are “economically challenged.” D.C. officials said the hub would create 25 full-time jobs as well millions of dollars of investment in the location. Officials also said Uber plans to invest millions of dollars into the new location.
Uber hubs help drivers and potential drivers to receive assistance from the company with any issues they may have.
The announcement was made as part of Bowser’s commitment to creating more employment opportunities for D.C. residents. The new hub is expected to open next spring.
