Can Uber Wake Up From Its PR Nightmare?

Uber is working to repair its tarnished image by creating new promotions, generating buzz and extending an olive branch to cities that agree to partner with the ride-sharing service.

The start-up battled public scrutiny and several city-wide bans after some of its drivers were accused of assault and abduction last year, but the company is hoping to continue its push to upend traditional taxi services throughout 2015.

Selling Experiences

In December, Uber launched its UberLUX service in Los Angeles, hoping to set itself apart from similar concepts like Lyft. The service offers customers the option to ride in a luxury vehicle like a Tesla Model S or a BMW 7-series, for an additional fee.

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The new offering is expected to become a permanent part of the city’s Uber service, and could expand to other cities where luxury services are in demand.

Generating Buzz

The company also struck up a partnership with Twenty-First Century Fox Inc FOX this year, which allowed Uber to offer its users the chance to see an early screening of Kingsman:The Secret Service. Uber customers can enter promo codes until Thursday in order to have a chance to win the advance tickets.

Of course, winners will be escorted to the theaters in an Uber car. 

Sharing Is Caring

In Boston, Uber was able to strike up a deal with city officials in order to become a recognized form of transport throughout the city.

In return, Uber has promised to provide the city with its massive database of trip information. The city will use the information for city planning purposes, like preventing congestion in heavily trafficked areas and helping to prepare the city for big events.

Will It Be Enough?

Although Uber’s plans for the new year look bright, many worry that the company’s image has been damaged beyond repair.

Privacy issues over Uber’s trip data could make some hesitant to continue using the service if the database is shared in other cities, and an ongoing court case over rape and kidnapping charges against a New Delhi Uber driver are still hanging over the company’s head.