Fuel Retailers Launch New Discounts for Ride-Sharing Programs
DALLAS and HOUSTON — Two of the nation's largest ride-sharing services, Uber and Lyft, are joining forces with fuel retailers to offer their partners savings at the pump. The Fuel Rewards program announced a deal with Lyft at participating Shell locations, while Exxon Mobil Corp. inked a deal with Uber.
Fuel Rewards and Lyft are piloting a tiered “Drive More, Earn More” program in Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. Based on the number of rides Lyft drivers give every week, they’ll earn increasing per-gallon discounts on fuel — as much as $3 off per gallon, which at today’s prices could fill make fill-ups free. Lyft signage will also appear in 15 other major U.S. markets.
New drivers joining Lyft during the promotion can earn Fuel Rewards savings up to $200 toward the cost of Shell gasoline via their membership in the Fuel Rewards program. Likewise, first-time Lyft passengers can earn rewards up to $20 on Shell fuel when taking their first five rides.
“This promotion offers a perfect combination of benefits that deliver everyday value for Lyft drivers, Lyft passengers and Fuel Rewards program members," said Megan Flynn, executive vice president of strategy and business development for the Fuel Rewards program. "Our data shows that consumers embrace the ability to save on the cost of fuel, regardless of prices at the pump, and rewards that can be redeemed on gasoline are particularly attractive to entrepreneurs in a business model based on driving and ride-sharing."
ExxonMobil’s deal with Uber is now available via the Partner Fuel Card, part of Uber’s exclusive Momentum Partner Rewards program, which allows cardholders to unlock savings of up to 15 cents per gallon whenever they fill up at more than 10,500 Exxon- and Mobil-branded stations.
When using the card, Uber partners receive 3 cents off per gallon. In addition, the Momentum program includes an automatic 1.5-percent discount off fuel purchases everywhere that MasterCard is accepted, along with other discounts at participating merchants nationwide.
“We initially launched the Partner Fuel Card in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., and saw very positive results,” said Jan Crowe, director of retail fuels marketing for ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants & Specialties Marketing Co. “Uber partners have taken advantage of the savings and distributors who own and operate the stations have enjoyed increased traffic and sales at Exxon- and Mobil-branded stations.”
The Partner Fuel Card is powered by FleetCor and MasterCard.