Submitted by Thurston County Target Zero

Visit Olympia and Thurston County Target Zero are excited to announce the official launch of Uber in Olympia and Thurston County on Friday, July 15, just in time for Capital Lakefair.

Uber will service all of Olympia and the surrounding area by seamlessly connecting riders to Uber drivers through the Uber app, making the entire region more accessible, opening up additional safe and reliable transportation options for locals and visitors, and creating more economic opportunity for residents.

To celebrate the launch, Uber will help visitors and residents enjoy Capital Lakefair safely with Half Off Rides on Friday, July 15 ($10 max limit/trip for 24 hours, 6am Friday to 6am Saturday).

As part of the launch, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, and Yelm Mayor Ron Harding joined Marshal the Courthouse Dog to be Olympia’s first official Uber riders.

On Thursday, July 14, Undersheriff Braniff and Marshal the Courthouse Dog will be visiting bars with Uber representatives in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater as part of the Thurston County Target Zero Task Force to encourage people to take advantage of transportation options when they have been drinking. The Target Zero goal of zero deaths and serious injuries by 2030 is about the “one” individual. It’s about our friends, family, colleagues and community members.

“I am always excited to hear that my kids are riding home in an Uber because I know they’re safe. Now I’m glad they can do it closer to home,” said Mayor Selby.

“We have worked hard as a community to provide services and access to services for our residents. Being recognized as a modern community with standing among other communities is important to us,” commented Mayor Harding. “Uber choosing our community signifies that they recognize that we are growing and progressive.”

Mayor Ryder continued, “Modern cities have transportation options like Uber. That’s why I’m proud Uber has chosen our growing community of Lacey as their next expansion city.”

“The Thurston County Target Zero Task Force would like to encourage all Lakefair attendees and Thurston County residents to have a safe and enjoyable Lakefair weekend! If your summertime festivities involve alcohol or marijuana, please take care of each other and include a safe and sober ride home in your plans,” said Anne Larsen, Thurston County Target Zero Manager.

Uber General Manager Brooke Steger had the following to say about Uber’s launch in Olympia. “We are excited to be a part of the Olympia community and to help people in Thurston County and beyond to connect with a safe, reliable, convenient ride at the touch of a button.”