Page 17 - REALCOMM EDGE-Fall 2017-FINAL
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“Uber for Business gives us a
                                                                                 seamless way to connect our
                                                                          customers with where they need to
                                                                          go, making our business park even
                                                                             more accessible and convenient.

                                                                                     Using the robust features
                                                                              available in the platform, we’ve
                                                                              developed a ‘last mile’ program
                                                                                 that provides transportation
                                                                               to public transit stops and also
                                                                                 offer lunchtime rides to local
                                                                          restaurants, shops, and other local
                                                                             amenities. Customers love it and
                                                                                                     so do we!”

                                                                            – Christopher Auth, Divisional Vice President
                                                                                 (Washington Metro), PS Business Parks



        to attract people to it—whether it’s for work, shopping or living.   Rentals in Brooklyn faced a huge obstacle when they found out
        Property outside of cities becomes more desirable with Uber   that there’d be a disruption in service for the train that connects it
        because it offers a direct and seamless connection between the   to Manhattan. If tenants can’t easily get to the city for work or play,
        building and where people need to go.                  many won’t want to live in Brooklyn anymore. But by providing
          We’ve seen some apartment complexes that have had trouble   subsidized rides with Uber, they’re able to keep things business as
        attracting residents increase occupancy rates substantially by   usual. And the same goes for corporate real estate, if you’re office
        offering free or discounted rides to residents. Heatherwood Luxury   isn’t located in a desirable area, that shouldn’t mean you can’t
                                                               attract and retain the best talent.
        “As most people know, New Yorkers rely
        heavily on public transportation to get                What do you think professionals in the real estate industry
                                                               should keep in mind over the next few years?
        around every day. With an upcoming                     Car ownership is declining, autonomous vehicles are being
        disruption in service for the subway                   developed and already, 65 million people use Uber every
        connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, we                  month. When you take into account the ride-sharing industry as
        explored creative and innovative solutions             a whole, that number is even higher. Architects and developers
                                                               should be considering all of this when they’re designing a
        so that our tenants’ daily lives are not               new building. Consider asking yourself: How much parking
        impacted. Uber for Business can help us                do I really need given these changing habits? What could this
        provide reliable, safe transportation for              area be used for instead? Should I have space dedicated to
        our residents’ daily commute, shopping or              pickups and drop-offs to avoid congestion and provide a better
                                                               experience? Do I need a special waiting area for people waiting
        social activities.”                                    for a ride? These are just a few of the considerations that should

                               – Michael Spampinato, Director,   come to mind when you think about transportation and how it
                                 Heatherwood Luxury Rentals    relates to your jobs today and over the next few years.

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