One year ago, the City of Austin adopted progressive ridesharing regulations for companies like Uber. This modern framework has empowered Uber to improve transportation options, reduce drunk driving, and create many economic benefits for working families. So, today we’re celebrating Uber Austin’s birthday and the major milestones we’ve reached over the past 12 months.

Investing in Austin: In 12 months, the Uber team has grown from one to 30 full-time employees. In addition to opening an office downtown, we recently opened a Partner Support Center in East Austin. The PSC opening will help support the thousands of driver-partners currently driving in Austin, as well as the 5,000 drivers we’re recruiting with local community organizations.

Moving Half a Million People Around Austin: Of the more than 2.5 million rides we’ve coordinated in Austin and the surrounding area, many have been requested in the middle of the night, precisely when alcohol-related accidents are likeliest. Even during major events like SXSW and ACL Festival, we’ve been able to keep up with huge spikes in demand.

Introducing Innovative New Products: In addition to getting a ride around town with uberX, we’ve added a few new options for riders in Austin:

  • With uberPOOL, Austinites can now share a ride and split the cost with another person who happens to be heading in the same direction.
  • UberACCESS allows those who need an extra hand or even a wheelchair accessible vehicle in Austin to request a ride at the tap of a button 24 hours a day. And at the same rates of uberX
  • uberESPAÑOL gives riders the option to choose a Spanish-speaking driver-partner.
  • UberEATS delivers dishes from Austin’s best, local spots in ten minutes or less.

Increasing Access to Underserved Areas: 1 in 3 trips in Austin begins or ends in East Austin.

Improving Economic Opportunity to More Than 10,000 People: Every week, more than 10,000 people open the Uber app to earn a flexible income. In one year, driver-partners earned more than $27 million.

It’s been an exciting and eventful year for Uber Austin, and this is just the beginning.

As we celebrate the progress we’ve made in one year, it’s important we remember what led us to this point. If you want to #KeepAustinUber, sign our petition today!