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On Wednesday, Uber, the ride-hailing service, outlined a list of measures to accommodate the expected surge in demand during the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics.

Navigating the French capital this summer will be a big problem for locals and tourists, as 15 million people are expected to put a strain on public transportation.

After many rounds of discussions, Uber said that it has gained the ability to circulate in some of Paris’ most restricted districts, which were previously designated for taxis.

These zones include blue and red regions for client pickups and drop-offs, as well as grey areas for drivers supporting those with mobility challenges.

The company anticipates that 40,000 drivers will use its platform to provide rides during the Olympics.

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However, Uber drivers will be unable to access the “Olympic lanes,” which are 185 km of highways around Paris allocated for delegations, taxis, buses, and media – a big disappointment for both Uber drivers and the company.

“We really feel a discrimination between ride-hailing apps and taxis,” said Karim Daoud, President of the French Union of Ride-Hailing Drivers (AVF).

“Without these reserved lanes, it’s going to be very difficult for us to get around. I’m afraid that a lot of drivers will throw in the towel,” he told .

Mr Daoud hinted at the possibility of an Uber driver strike during the sporting event, saying, “We reserve the right to hold protests. That’s still on the agenda but we advocate for some sort of dialogue first.” 

Uber vows to keep rising pricing in check for passengers. Despite the millions of visitors expected in Paris this summer, the price increase will be limited to “10 to 15%”, according to Laureline Serieys, Uber’s General Manager in France.

Fares to and from Paris airports and train stations will be reduced by 10% during the event, while the cost of the ride-sharing service UberShare will be cut by 30%.

Two new experiences: Trips around the Champagne region and river cruises.

During the summer, Uber will provide its users with two new experiences. The first, “Uber Bubbles,” will allow four people to book an electric Tesla ride to the Champagne region.

Customers will receive two champagne tastings and lunch for a total of 200 euros per four people.

The second experience, “Uber Cruise,” will allow clients to arrange a river cruise on the Seine with a skipper, with five boats available at various times during the day.