Lowell – In a bold move to revolutionize urban transportation, the City of Lowell announced today the launch of its innovative “River-Uber” service, set to transform the Merrimack River into the next commuting highway.
The aquatic rideshare initiative promises to combine the convenience of app-based travel with the scenic beauty of Lowell’s waterways, offering a splashy alternative to traditional road traffic.
Mayor Danny Rourke, flanked by Council colleagues, City Manager Tom Golden and the Mill City’s entire state delegation, unveiled the plan this morning at a press conference held at the foot of the Rourke Bridge along the banks of the Merrimack River.
“With River-Uber, we’re not just going against the current in transportation innovation; we’re literally riding it,” Rourke said. “This service is set to make waves in how we think about mobility in our city, ensuring that Lowell stays afloat as a leader in enjoyable commuting options.”
The River-Uber fleet will consist of a diverse array of watercraft, from sleek kayaks for the solo adventurer to spacious pontoons equipped with Wi-Fi and coffee bars, catering to the needs of every type of commuter. Each vessel will be piloted by certified captains, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey along the river’s meandering path.
In an effort to promote environmental sustainability, River-Uber boats will be powered by a combination of renewable energy sources, including solar panels and hydrodynamic turbines, making every trip carbon-neutral. This initiative aligns with Lowell’s broader goals of reducing traffic congestion and minimizing the city’s carbon footprint.
To use the service, riders simply need to download the River-Uber app, select their pickup and drop-off docks, and choose their preferred boat class. Pricing is competitive with traditional rideshare services, with the added benefit of no surge pricing during rush hour – just smooth sailing.
The announcement has already made a splash among locals, with many expressing excitement about the prospect of commuting via the Merrimack.
“I never thought I’d see the day when I could kayak to work,” said Lowell resident and Sustainability Council member Mikaela Hondros-McCarthy. “It’s going to help save the planet and definitely make the morning commute more interesting!”
For those concerned about the practicality of river commuting, especially during the New England winter, the city assures that heated vessels and ice-breaking technology will keep the service running year-round, come rain, snow, or shine.
With April 1st here, Lowellians are encouraged to ready their life jackets and sea legs for what promises to be the most refreshing commute of their lives.
In the spirit of the day, we remind our readers to check their calendar. Happy April Fools’ Day from InsideLowell!
(The above article was written by ChatGPT when asked to come up with an April Fools news story about Lowell)
18 responses to “Lowell “River-Uber” Service Launches New Wave of Commuting”
LMAO you definitely got me 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I know it’s April first and I still read this with enthusiasm and questions in my mind. Got me. Happy April Fools Day to all.
Sometimes I wonder what makes your mind tick 😂 This was a good one!
Even my mind can’t be this bizarre….other than the insertion of a name or two for an even more local flavor, this was all AI generated. It was by far the most believable. You should have seen the other ones it spit out. Hope all is well George!
LMFAO good shit bro haha!!!
Omg I was fooled 😂😂😂😂
Yuck if it were real, we’d be watching crackheads sleeping on the banks! Imagine being kayak jacked!!
I don’t care if it’s real or not. I am an out of work musician. I would love to perform on this CruiseLine!
It’s too bad we got the dams. It would be cool if u could go from Nashua to Newburyport by boat. We could have docks, marinas, restaurants a long the river. Wish they would clean up this sludge filled water!
That was so awesome that I loved being fooled.
I was thinking about how it would work going over the falls in a barrel
I live in Baltimore where the Key Bridge collapsed. Uh…joke or not, something similar to this without the bells and whistles is actually under consideration.
Funny. But in our early city history Lowell did have a River Paddle boat than ran from Lowell up thru Tyngsboro with dancing and drinking. One run it hit a rock and sank near the current Vesper golf course. It laid on the bottom until winter froze the ice 2 ft think. Workers then dig out the ice above the wreck, set up rigs on the ice to haul the boat up to the ice and slid it off to the Island for repairs begore relaunch!!
So I was the only guy planning on using this service?
I just can’t believe the mind of this people.
🫨😵💫😵💫 (This is going to save the planet).
Wouldn’t you have something smarter or more educative to say?
Yes it could be fun and diversity the commute help in other things but please, give the people of lowell a brake and be more conscious of things you say.(Ohh!! It’s going to save the planet!)
😅😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😭
No Doug Taylor you’re not I thought it was an excellent idea to avoid the congested bridges
Do an riverboat casino instead to bring money of the city of lowell ma.
Cool I might definitely use it now I don’t have to travel by car I can travel by boat 😆 it will makes me feel like I’m in James Bond movie lol 😆