Getting Around During Mardi Gras? Uber Shares Tips for Rideshare, Blue Bikes and Uber Eats

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – This Mardi Gras season, laissez les bons temps rouler and count on Uber for convenient transportation options to and from parades and festivities around the Greater New Orleans area. Hosting a party at home? Let Uber Eats deliver your king cake. To help all celebrating the Mardi Gras season find the best way to request rides and rent the new JUMP Blue Bikes through the app, Uber offers the following tips and reminders for all residents and visitors.

When leaving the parades, road closures may make it difficult for riders and drivers to connect. For a better pickup experience, riders should walk away from the parade route to a safe area where traffic is moving to request a ride. When parades are running along St. Charles Avenue, Uber recommends walking outside of the shaded area in the map below before requesting for the majority of destinations in New Orleans. When requesting a ride in the French Quarter, be mindful of city-wide road closures that may impact drivers’ ability to navigate around the area.

Getting Around During Mardi Gras? Uber Shares Tips for Rideshare, Blue Bikes and Uber Eats

Given it will be extra busy, remember to check your ride to ensure you are getting into the right car with these tips and get familiar with safety features within the app:

  • Check your ride: Double check your driver’s name, car make and model, and license plate number in the app before hopping in. Uber rides can only be requested through the app, so never accept solicitations from anyone claiming to be Uber.
  • For a more seamless pickup: Getting picked up in crowded areas can be tricky. To help you communicate with your driver, you can send messages or call your driver through the Uber app. You can share a quick tip or send your driver a pre-populated update like “be right there” with a single tap.
  • Share your trip details: Let your krewe know when you’ll arrive by sharing your on-trip details in real-time, straight from the app.
  • Emergency button: If a rider or driver uses the in-app emergency button to call 911, key trip details are available to assist 911 dispatchers with the Orleans Parish Communication District (New Orleans 9-1-1).

New this year, Blue Bikes will now be available in the Uber app – and you can use them to navigate the crowds and parades downtown. These electric, pedal-assist bikes provide a small boost every time you pedal. Here are some tips to help make the best of your Blue Bikes experience:

  • Lock your bike at a bike rack and re-insert the lock fully to end your ride. Do not block sidewalks or lock to historic buildings, balcony posts or fences.
  • Be cautious when riding in large crowds.
  • As per our Community Guidelines, never ride while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other substance that impairs your ability to safely operate a bike. You can request an Uber trip, walk or take public transit.
  • Take the time to map a route to the parade to avoid conflicts while riding.

Uber Eats will continue to be in full swing for Mardi Gras season.  As a special addition, king cake deliveries will be available through the Uber Eats app from local restaurants, including Buttermilk Drop Bakery, City Donuts & Café, and The Original Italian Pie. To order this festive treat for your celebrations, search for “king cake” in the Uber Eats app to see nearby options. Keep in mind that parade routes and road closures may add time to deliveries.

 

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