If you remember back before the pandemic, there was a service called UberPool that allowed users to split the cost of a ride with complete strangers.
Those days ended suddenly in early 2020, but as travel resumes its pre-pandemic state — complete with sold-out flights and airport delays — Uber users in select U.S. cities can request shared rides once more this summer.
Riders in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Diego, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Portland, Oregon will be able to use UberX Share starting June 21.
Although UberX Share is a relaunched version of UberPool, there are a few modifications that users may notice.
To begin, simply because you request a shared ride does not guarantee that you will be joined by another passenger along the route; nonetheless, your UberX Share trip will always be less expensive than a conventional UberX ride.
Riders who choose an UberX Share receive an upfront discount for choosing a shared transport, and if they are paired with a co-rider during their journey, they can save up to 20% on their total ticket.
According to the firm, users will receive a notification when they match with a co-rider, and the communication will also reflect the subsequent dollar amount the rider is now saving, which includes the aforementioned initial discount.
According to Uber, riders should expect only one other rider to join them in the car at first, in order to leave the centre seat open.
Because Uber will only connect customers who are travelling in the same direction, you should expect to arrive about the same time as an UberX.
"UberX Share was planned to arrive no more than eight minutes later than an UberX ride," said Andrew Macdonald, Uber's senior vice president of mobility and business operations.
"For riders, drivers, the cities we serve, and Uber, this new shared rides option will provide a more cheap, efficient, and sustainable experience."
Uber plans to expand UberX Share to more U.S. cities in the coming weeks and months.
Currently, the service is available in seven worldwide cities, including Argentina, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.
Will UberX Share be able to assist riders with their problems?
Due to rising petrol prices, Uber's reintroduction of shared trips may help to alleviate some of the concerns that users like myself have faced, such as extended wait times and spike pricing.
When asked about these difficulties, Uber stated that surge pricing and wait times have actually improved this year, and that the business has not witnessed a drop in the number of drivers on the platform in North America.
Last week in Chicago, a friend and I attempted to use both Uber and Lyft at different times.
We were unable to locate a Lyft at any time, whereas Uber offered surge pricing over the same time period.
We resorted to taking cabs each time, despite the fact that hailing a cab could take up to 10 minutes, even in downtown Chicago.
Lyft, like Uber, said earlier this month that it had added more drivers to its staff, which should alleviate some of the issues that riders have.
If you plan on taking an Uber, Lyft, or taxi this summer, give yourself plenty of time to locate a vehicle, as you may not be able to do so at all times.
Of course, public transportation is the most cost-effective alternative.
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