What motivates drivers during Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is a celebration for everyone, and it’s a perfect time to share the history and culture of New Orleans. People from all over the world visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, making it a great chance for riders and drivers to connect and share their time on the road. To share the magic, we asked drivers across New Orleans what motivates them to drive during Mardi Gras. We heard from hundreds of drivers with many different reasons for driving during Carnival season; here are a few of their responses!

“Mardi Gras is such a culturally positive experience for everyone from kids to adults, and even I participate in the activities. There’s no better way for adults to feel safer, not only about themselves but about their kids and loved ones, than knowing that they don’t have to worry about drinking & driving. This will be my first time driving during Mardi Gras, but I believe I am doing my part to help keep the city safer for everyone during such a fun time of the year.”

— Kaleb M. (5★, 62 trips)

“With more than 28 years of Mardi Gras Experience as a police officer in New Orleans, I am confident I can provide great service to our revelers! I know how to get them where they want to be. Looking forward to my first Uber Mardi Gras!”

— Julie J. (4.92★, 952 trips) 

“The riders who are from out of town and the locals who are enjoying catching beads and eating King Cake! I’ve lived in New Orleans all my life and been to Mardi Gras during childhood. Mardi Gras is where family and friends come together to get their grills out and cook! As for driving with Uber, I make it a point to get my guest that had too many to drink to their destination safely and in a timely manner. Seeing my guest happy because I was there to give them a ride wherever they needed to go!”

— Craig B. (4.97★, 1831 trips)

“Obviously the insane amount of money that can be made is a big motivating factor, but the most important reason I drive during Mardi Gras is knowing that I’m getting intoxicated people home safely! To know that you are saving a lot of lives makes you feel good as a human being. Getting people to their destination safely and efficiently has been and will ALWAYS be my top priority!”

— Jonathan D. (4.94★, 2448 trips)

“It’s the busiest time of the year to drive and with so many tourists coming into town to visit, almost every ride is a tour of its own. People love hearing about all the things that make Mardi Gras a great time to visit the city. It’s also the best time to show my knowledge of the city and help get my riders from Point A to Point B quickly as possible. It helps to have street knowledge during the parades because a lot of times, the GPS will not account for in the moment traffic. I also make more money in a weeks time driving during Mardi Gras, and I look forward to driving for my 3rd Mardi Gras Celebration in New Orleans.”

— Kendall L. (4.93★, 1319 trips)

“What motivates me to drive during Mardi Gras is the multicultural environment all the way down to the music. New Orleans is a great place to drive Uber during Mardi Gras. This is a great way to get food to the people who can’t go nowhere with all the blocked streets and barricades.”

— Jeremy M. (5★, 685 trips)

“I drive during Mardi Gras because I know there are a lot of people who are drinking and need safe rides home, visitors that need some advice of where to go, and it’s all mutually beneficial to both riders and drivers!”

— Alan G. (4.97★, 83 trips)

Thanks to New Orleans drivers for keeping your city moving during Mardi Gras and through the rest of the year.