Metra chooses Uber as rideshare partner

Metra has selected Uber as its official rideshare partner, the commuter railroad announced earlier this week.

As part of a three-year agreement with the car-hailing service, Metra will identify Uber as its preferred rideshare provider for connections to and from downtown and outlying stations.

To launch in February 2017, the marketing partnership is aimed at generating non-fare revenue and driving ridership by assisting customers who need a first- or last-mile connection, Metra officials said in a press release.

"Now more than ever, it's essential that we look for creative ways to generate revenue that can impact our agency's bottom line," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno.

Uber's name will be featured on a range of promotional materials, including posters displayed at stations and on Metra trains, timetables, mailing inserts and at ticket office windows. Uber also will be able to distribute promotional information at Metra stations.