"Are You a CEO Interested in a Feature Interview?"
All Interviews are 100% FREE of Charge
Google I/O wasn’t the only technology event this week.Uber kept it that way. Annual GO-GET event And they announced a bunch of new features coming to the ride-sharing platform/taxi app or whatever you want to call it. Much of this news is about expanding shuttle and rideshare options, specifically a new option called Uber Shuttle.
It allows users to reserve up to five seats up to seven days in advance for transportation to and from major events such as concerts and basketball games, but can also be used for travel to the airport. The company boasts that this feature is particularly budget-friendly, noting that each passenger pays a “fraction of the price of UberX.” The company promises these rides will not be affected by surge fees. Please also note that these shuttles are only for the events listed in the app. This is a bit disappointing.
Uber has partnered with Live Nation to bring these shuttles to select venues during the summer, including Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and PNC Pavilion in Charlotte. These Uber Shuttles aren’t your typical Nissan Sentra or Toyota Camry. These are his 14- to his 55-passenger actual shuttles. The company said each driver will receive a commercial license to operate large transport vehicles.
Rideshare companies have been trying to decipher “rebranded buses” for a while now.Uber tried it something in 2015, called Uber Hop, was intended to group together more riders traveling similar routes. Although it didn’t last long, Uber Pool’s carpooling service had been around for years until the pandemic hit. Uber’s efforts are strictly aimed at events, seeking to fill a gap in areas where public transportation to and from venues is less efficient due to our country’s reliance on cars.
GO-GET wasn’t just about Silicon Valley’s repainted shuttles. UberX Share, the company’s Uber Pool alternative launched in 2023, has a new feature that lets users schedule rides in advance and save a little money. The company points out that the average passenger can save about 25% per ride using this tool compared to a regular trip using UberX.
The company says it’s “ideal for commuting” as it has seen a recent spike in ridership data during traditional commute times. Uber also said it “intentionally launched this new service in cities with the highest rates of employees returning to the office.” This includes New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, and Atlanta, with more locations to be added in the near future.
The company also announced Uber Caregiver, which allows users to book rides for their loved ones’ medical appointments. Eventually, it will also be used to deliver things like groceries and over-the-counter medicines. If you’re caring for someone, that person can add you as a designated caregiver to her Uber app, giving you options to book rides and more. Uber says insurance benefits may also apply. So if the person you’re caring for is enrolled in a program that offers a certain number of rides to a medical service center, for example, you can apply those benefits through the app. To save cash. Caregiver will roll out this summer, starting with a ride booking option.
Food delivery platform Uber Eats has made several updates. The company has added Costco to its lineup of retail delivery services. Costco members not only get their items delivered, but they should also receive additional discounts on top of their member benefits. Finally, Uber Eats listings are a new way for people to decide what to nibble on. This allows users to browse restaurant recommendations from friends and local foodies. Uber says this makes it “easy to explore new cities or change destinations.” The service will launch in New York City and Chicago in July, with more cities coming.
Regular Uber users should be aware of these features during the summer, unless you live in Minneapolis. Uber increased its investment after the city council voted to raise pay for drivers. They choose to move away from bustling metropolises rather than submit to meager wage increases. After all, the idea of ​​fair pay can spread and infect the innocent minds of his Uber drivers around the world. Long live the perfectly healthy and normal gig economy.
Correction, May 15, 2024, 2:45 PM ET: This article has been updated to correct information about Uber Caregiver and clarify that surge pricing does not apply to Uber Shuttle services. The heading has also been updated.