Central Florida cities discuss partnering on Uber ride-sharing discounts

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Several Central Florida cities are working on a plan that would give Uber customers hefty discounts when traveling to or from those municipalities.

Altamonte Springs currently gives Uber riders 20 percent off their fare when they travel within the city and 25 percent off if they are being taken to a SunRail station.

The plan currently in the works would team Altamont Springs with Lake Mary, Longwood, Maitland and Sanford.

If all the cities sign on, Uber customers would receive a 20 percent discount when getting a ride from one city to another, and 25 percent off if they’re riding to a SunRail station in any of the cities.

Altamonte Springs resident Nikhila Rose is a frequent SunRail rider and said the discount has made a lot of difference for her.

“The discount has saved me a lot of money,” she said.

The hope is that, by extending the 25 percent discount on rides to SunRail stations to the four other cities, ridership numbers will be bolstered, Altamonte Springs City Manager Frank Martz said.

“SunRail is really struggling,” he said. “It’s $35 to $40 million over budget. So, we’re looking for every way we can to produce something of value to our residents.”

Cox Media Group