Uber TAXI offers free rides next week

Need a ride? Uber TAXI wants to take you home. Or to the bar. Or wherever. For free.

In April, Uber—a San Francisco-born startup that allows you to request high-end car service through a mobile app—launched a pilot program for taxis in Chicago using the same premise, minus the sleek towncars and hefty pricetag.

In a too-good-to-be true promotion, Uber TAXI is offering free rides between Monday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 27. You’ll need to download the smartphone app and set up an Uber account to request a ride. The “free” part only applies to rides (plus 20 percent tip) up to $20, but it still beats clawing your way through the masses on the el at rush hour.

After you hit the $20 mark, normal city fares will be charged to your credit card. And you better hope your driver does a good job, because the app charges you the 20 percent gratuity fee regardless.