According to the Futu News app, Uber (UBER.US) announced that it will pay $1,000 to 175 drivers in seven cities in the United States and Canada to not drive for five weeks. This is a promotion called "Use one less car".

Under the "Use one less car" program, Uber will select up to 175 eligible drivers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Miami, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver to participate in a five-week program starting on July 22.

This move comes as major transportation operators including airlines in the United States expect a lot of tourist activity and travel this summer.

The company said, "Based on the average monthly cost of car ownership in the United States, we will provide $1,000 to selected participants to use other modes of transportation instead of relying on private cars. These options will include public transportation, Lime electric bikes and scooters which can be booked through the Uber app, as well as car rentals and carpooling."

Drivers will receive a $500 credit to be redeemed on the Uber app; $200 in rental or car-sharing service coupons; and $300 in other transportation coupons, such as public transit.

A similar program launched by Uber in Australia last year showed that commuters primarily chose to walk, ride a bike, or use carpooling after giving up their cars.

It is worth mentioning that the ride-hailing and food delivery platform operator has been focusing on promoting the use of environmentally friendly electric vehicles and has committed $800 million to support its driver partners in switching to electric vehicles by 2040.

The company has partnered with rental car company Hertz (HTZ.US) to provide Tesla (TSLA.US) car rental services to its drivers in the United States and Europe, but it is not clear what proportion of electric vehicles are in its fleet.

Uber stated that it wants to show people that transitioning to a lighter car lifestyle is possible, saving money, reducing emissions, and contributing to more livable cities.

As of the time of writing, Uber was up 0.38% pre-market. The stock has risen 15% so far this year, but has fallen from its high of $82.14 at the beginning of the year. Although Uber's second-quarter earnings will not be released until early August, analysts are increasingly confident in the company's earnings, with 20 out of the past 26 earnings revisions being upward revisions. Its peer, Lyft (LYFT.US), has a similar situation, with 21 out of the past 24 earnings revisions being upward revisions.