Uber launches rideshare submarine on Great Barrier Reef
TOURISM
A whole new way of experiencing the Great Barrier Reef is on offer with Uber launching a world-first submarine program in Far North Queensland.
The craft was launched on Heron Island today and will be available on Heron Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef region before moving north to Quicksilver Cruises’ Agincourt Reef next month.
For a limited time, a select number of Uber riders in selected Queensland cities, including Port Douglas, will have the chance to request a scUber experience directly through the app.
Uber users in Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Cairns will have the chance to book a ride on the submarine on the 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18 June.
Only one trip for two people will become available daily in each location and numbers are strictly limited so availability cannot be guaranteed.
The cost of each scUber experience will be $3,000 for two people and Uber will be donating the equivalent value of every scUber ride taken to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
Additionally, there is a competition to win a ride for two on the scUber craft that can be entered here.
Uber is also donating $100,000 to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef to support their ongoing Reef conservation initiatives.
Regional General Manager of Uber, Australia and New Zealand, Susan Anderson said the company is committed to using their technology to help protect the reef.
“The power of Uber’s platform is encouraging our network of riders and driver-partners to make conscious behaviour changes in how they move about their cities,” she said.
“Uber’s commitment to reducing private car ownership and encouraging people to move around their cities in more efficient and sustainable ways becomes critical.
“We know these issues facing cities are not isolated to Australia — they are impacting the world over, and we’re committed to solving them on a global scale.”
“By partnering with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, we can work together to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of this global icon, so that it can be enjoyed by future generations for years to come.”
Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef CEO, Andy Ridley, said the partnership and the new experience highlights the way technology can help the planet.
"To safeguard the Reef and the planet we must change the way we do things, from individual actions to new ways of doing business like the sharing economy,” he said.
“We’re excited to partner with such an innovative brand that shares our vision of using data and tech to mobilise a global community and inspiring action that will result in a positive impact for the future of the Great Barrier Reef.”
The scUber program will also collect data to support reef research and monitoring of the reef and support the development of a world-first citizen science effort through a financial and resource investment program.
Check out the new submarine craft here:
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