Uber teams up with Boston for data sharing

Ride-hailing app Uber has launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with Boston that aims to help guide the growth of the city’s development through the release of travel data.

Uber approached city officials Thursday with an offer to share their data, Boston Chief Information Officer Jascha Franklin-Hodge told Metro. Throughout the year-long partnership, quarterly reports will shed light on the amount of time passengers spend in Uber cars, as well as zip codes traveled in and the dates and times of the trips. All the information will be anonymous, according to Uber.

“Historically we have not received very much of this type of data,” said Franklin-Hodge. “This will allow us to get a much clearer view of roadway performance. It’s a useful tool as the city grows and changes. It allows us to see the flow of people and understand better the movement patterns shaping the city we live in.”

Uber has been under siege in cities worldwide for its business model, skirting of traditional taxi service regulations and surge pricing. New York City is weighing legislation that would cap Uber’s price surging.

The company offered the data free to Boston, said Taylor Bennett, a spokesman for the company, said the initiative is to demonstrate that Uber is “a fundamental part” of the region’s transportation system.

“By sharing data with municipal partners we can provide new insights to help manage urban growth, relieve traffic congestion, expand public transportation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Bennett said. “Additionally, data sharing can help serve the public interest, whether it be in reducing DUIs, serving underserved neighborhoods, or generally improving the way citizens and visitors move around their cities

Uber Boston provides hundreds of thousands of trips each month, according to Bennett.