Unfazed by protests, Uber launches UberBoat
The high seas could be the next locality to stage Uber riots. While the controversial ride-sharing app was formerly used solely for ordering cars (although one spin-off allowed the one percent to call helicopters), Uber has now announced its expansion to the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the city of Istanbul's European side from its Asian side.
That's right: Meet UberBoat.
UberBoat costs far more than a regular Bosphorus ferry ride, running 50 lira to a ferry's 2.15 (or about $19 compared to the usual 80 cents) but it also allows for six to eight riders to split the cost. Additionally, UberBoat has partnered with a local ferry company, so it will remain to be seen if Turkish protesters will be blocking docks or burning pilings.
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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
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