INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM

Apex Software Corp.

TO:
Donald Trump, CEO
FROM:
Matthew Laposa, Project Manager
Mary Wix, Materials Coordinator
Umid Ghulam, Research Analyst
Joel Molinares, Research Analyst
SUBJECT:
ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYEE TRANSPORTATION PROPOSAL
DATE:
October 26, 2015

A recent evaluation of employees expenses in regards to rental car costs, have brought
about the need to research and consider alternative sources of transportation. In order
to prevent other company cut-backs, the financial department has been asked to
consider alternative transportation options.
We currently use rental cars paid for by employees with company credit cards. The price
of this has increased due to the inability to forge a worthwhile discount program with
our current rental company. The traveling employees cost of rental cars is rising and
depleting the allotted budget.
Preliminary research gives a positive outlook on using Uber as a means of corporate
transportation. A quick synopsis of the Uber Business page shows initial promise.
Personal experiences with Uber have been taken into account and we will also be doing
secondary research to support this trend. A team has been assembled to provide an
in-depth evaluation of Uber as an alternative transportation method.
Proposed Research:
Secondary research will include an overview of the services provided by Uber, including:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Safety
Cost Breakdown
Average Travel Time

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Availability
Customer Satisfaction
Competitors (i.e. Taxi, Lyft, rental car)
Potential Problems
General Functionality

Primary research will include personal experiences of research team members with
Uber services.

Schedule of Tasks
Bulk research done on all variables; stay in contact with team to
organize research materials.

Week 1
(11/2 - 11/6)

Topics Assigned to Team Members

Umid - Average Travel Time, Availability, Strengths &
Weaknesses
Joel - Customer Satisfaction, Strengths & Weaknesses
Matthew - Competitors (rental cars, Lyft), General
Functionality
Mary - Company Overview, safety, Cost Breakdown,
Competitors (Taxis, Limo Services), Potential Problems

Assemble a Progress Report with team members; begin putting

together report outline.
Week 2
(11/9 - 11/13)

Team members will provide preliminary research in a

cumulative report accessible by all group members.
Project Manager and Materials Coordinator will begin outline
of Progress Report.

Put final touches on report, include citation of research, and

convene with group to discuss any final additions.
Week 3
(11/16 - 11/20)

Group will work together to analyse research and material

status.
Materials Coordinator will assess all documents and relay

valuation.
Project Manager will assign further research tasks as needed.

Completion of all reports and documents.

Week 4
(11/23 - 11/25)

Materials Coordinator and Project Manager will finalize

documents and prepare them for submission.

Team experience in this field is as follows:

Mary:
As a traveling employee, I have an interest in choosing the most convenient
method. As an accounting specialist, I also have an interest in choosing the most
cost-effective method. Finding a middle ground is going to take research as well as
primary experience input. I have used Uber on several occasions and have very pleasant
experiences each time. The app is user-friendly and provides information on the driver
and their car as well as a live map of their location. It is very inexpensive to use and
provides an overall helpful service.
Umid:
As an avid traveler, I have in interest in finding the most cost efficient way of
getting around and also like the company that has the fastest service. I have used many
ride-sharing services like Uber and have used Uber itself. The Uber service needs to
improve its wait times and availability. The best part about Uber itself is that the
customer can be a very lazy person and just pay to get around if you dont feel like
driving around but want to travel, unlike a car rental company like Enterprise where you
have to be the driver.
Matthew:
I have past experience traveling with Uber both for business and leisure. As
a frequent traveler within the company, I have a present interest in the mediums of
travel that my fellow employees and I are subject to. I have had pleasant and cost
effective experiences with Uber in the past and believe that enrolling our company with
Uber for Business would benefit both our company and employees.
Joel:
My travel experience with Uber was great. The vehicle was in good condition, both
interior and exterior, and smelled nice and fresh. The driver was kind enough to offer
me a water, and advised me that no cash was needed for payment because it was set up
through my PayPal account. He also took the shortest route so the fare would not be

expensive. The driver arrived on time, and was able to get me to my scheduled
appointment on time. This experience has solidified my expectations of Uber and I
intend to use Uber for my personal traveling purposes. As an individual who often
travels from city to city the experience of using Uber is fast, convenient, and easy. Uber
travel time and wait times are quite fast. Using Uber there is no cash needed for your
ride, fare is charged to a PayPal account. As a convenience to businesses Uber gives
businesses a chance to link company credit cards to make traveling more easily for their
employees.
Group Experience:
Overall, individuals of the research team have had pleasant experiences using Uber.
Initial experience shows easy use, competitive pricing, and assuring safety features.
Experiences may vary by demographic purpose, however, general consensus has been
congenial. Researchers will further explore other users reviews and experiences to
adequately assess Uber services. Our team is best suited to submit this proposal due to
groups diverse levels of experience with Uber and personal interest in company travel.
Our team is invested in finding the most cost effective method of transportation to not
only promote financial growth, but also cut down on unnecessary expenses.
Works Cited:
"Uber for Business."
Uber
. Uber, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2015.