Uber introduces new bus-like “Route Share” feature for commuters

Uber has announced the launch of a new feature called “Route Share,” which aims to provide a more affordable alternative to traditional Uber rides. This new service operates Uber shuttles along busy routes, offering pickups every 20 minutes during weekday commuting hours. Passengers can ride with up to two other people, making it a cost-effective option for daily commuters. Route Share is priced at half the cost of an UberX ride, providing significant savings for users.

In addition to the cost savings, Uber is also looking to partner with employers to make Route Share eligible for commuter benefits. This partnership will allow customers to save even more money by using their pre-tax dollars on rides. This initiative is part of Uber’s efforts to cater to riders who live and work in highly populated areas, providing them with a more affordable transportation option.

The process of using Route Share is simple. Users are instructed to walk to a pre-determined point at a set time, where the Uber vehicle will pick them up. The vehicle will travel along a fixed route, and other riders may join the trip, resulting in a shared ride experience. This shared ride could include a short walk to a pick-up point, a 20-minute drive, and a walk to the final destination. Overall, Route Share can cost up to 50% less than a traditional UberX ride, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious commuters.

Route Share is set to launch in select cities, including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Baltimore. The shuttles will operate during peak commuting hours, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Additionally, Uber is introducing another feature called “Price Lock,” which allows customers to choose a fixed price for a specific route. This feature ensures that the cost of a ride remains consistent, regardless of traffic, weather, or demand fluctuations.

Competitor Lyft also offers a similar product called Price Lock, which addresses the issue of fluctuating prices for riders. Both Uber and Lyft are focused on providing cost-effective transportation options for regular commuters, with Uber serving 175 million customers across 70 countries last year. Uber’s chief product officer, Sachin Kansal, emphasized the importance of Uber as a daily necessity for many customers, particularly those with lower household incomes and limited access to other transportation options.

Overall, Uber’s new features, Route Share and Price Lock, aim to provide affordable and reliable transportation options for daily commuters. By offering shared rides along fixed routes and fixed prices for specific routes, Uber is prioritizing cost savings and convenience for its customers.