All Via private rides are 20% off as NYC bans all shared rides
Via, a popular ridesharing service, announced March 17 that it would suspend shared rides in New York City amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Get Coronavirus travel updates. Stay on top of industry impacts, flight cancellations, and more.
If you're unfamiliar, Via matches riders headed in the same direction to a single vehicle, usually a passenger van. Via is one of cheaper ways New Yorkers can get to and from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) for as little as $15 round-trip in a shared vehicle.
To ease the burden for travelers who still need to use the app even during social distancing, Via is offering a discount on private rides.
"For those who do need to travel," Via said in an email to users, "We remain as committed as ever to providing an affordable, convenient, and efficient option during these difficult times — as long as our shared rides are paused, all Private Via rides will be 20% off."
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday signed an executive order banning shared rides in New York City. That means only one person customer may travel in a rideshare at a time unless you're a couple.
"This does not disallow a couple... or a family that lives under the same roof," de Blasio said during the news briefing, according to silive.com. "Those folks obviously have had deep exposure to each other, and it's appropriate for them to share a vehicle, but obviously not people who don't know each other."
Lyft tweeted that it would cease shared rides "across all markets." Uber said it would suspend its Uber Pool option entirely in the U.S. and Canada, in 18 cities total. The Uber app also features an in-app message urging riders to travel only if necessary to "help flatten the curve."
The coronavirus crisis has led to some tough soul-searching in the gig economy as customers and workers try to limit the spread of the virus by avoiding contact. Grubhub, for instance, said that it would adopt contact-free delivery -- which means drivers will call or text when they arrive and drop off your order on the doorstep or lobby.
The coronavirus outbreak has quickly spread around the world. Airlines have suspended flights, severely disrupting travel to, from, and within many of the world's busiest markets. Cruise lines around the globe have been canceling, redirecting and reducing service. Many hotels are offering full refunds in the coming weeks and months. The outbreak is also forcing the cancellation of several businesses and sporting events worldwide.
For more on the coronavirus outbreak, see:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.