Uber Brings Back Carpooling with a Twist
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that put a halt to almost all public transport, Uber has recently announced the return of carpooling, a service that it once discontinued for over a year. This is a significant move, as it is one of the company’s most affordable ride options, and with people getting back to travel, it will provide a huge cost-saving advantage.
What is Carpooling, and How Does It Work?
Carpooling is a concept initiated by Uber in 2014 where multiple passengers that are travelling in the same direction can share a ride with a single driver. When customers select UberPool, the app uses an algorithm to match passengers travelling in the same direction. The price is split between passengers, making the ride cheaper.
Why Was Carpooling Suspended?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber suspended carpooling due to the company’s need to focus on further enhancing safety measures. The concerns were primarily focused on the risk of sharing a confined space with strangers with unknown COVID-19 statuses. However, with the world gradually reopening, Uber has seen the need to provide affordable options to customers, leading to its return.
What is the Twist, and How is it Better?
The return of carpooling comes with a “twist,” which now enables customers to guide the pickup location more accurately. Instead of individuals walking to meet at a common point, the carpooling algorithm now picks a spot closer to customers’ locations. This efficient pickup option takes away the extra stress of commuting and reduces time spent searching for a convenient pickup point, making it more attractive.
Is Carpooling Safe?
After the long hiatus brought about by COVID-19 safety concerns, Uber had to introduce a lot of safety measures to their services. One of these is reducing passenger capacity in vehicles. For customers using UberPool, seat availability is limited to two people per ride. In addition, Uber requires face masks for both drivers and passengers, and they have incorporated advanced safety measures like driver requirements to take selfies before driving, and sharing their live locations with Uber during the trip.
How Can I Opt-in for Carpooling?
Carpooling is an option on the Uber app available in the same menu as the other ride types, including UberX, Uber Black, and UberLux. To select the carpooling option, customers need to tap the pool option when requesting a ride. Alternatively, customers can set their preferences to carpool, so the app always prioritizes that option when booking.
In Conclusion
The return of carpooling is significant, especially for people who use transportation frequently. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Uber is taking measures to ensure safety for all passengers, with essential safety measures and precautions to avoid viral spreading. With time, we hope this cost-saving, efficient option will continue to improve while enhancing our experience.
FQA
1. What is Carpooling, and How Does It Work?
Carpooling is a service provided by Uber that enables multiple passengers travelling in the same direction to share a ride with a single driver. When selecting UberPool, an algorithm matches passengers travelling in the same destination. The price is split among passengers, making it a cheaper option.
2. Why Was Carpooling Suspended?
Uber suspended carpooling before the COVID-19 pandemic due to a need to focus on enhancing safety measures. During the pandemic, concerns about sharing a confined space with strangers with unknown COVID-19 statuses led to its continued suspension.
3. What is the Twist, and How is it Better?
The twist is an improvement to the old carpooling concept now tailored to customers’ locations, making it easier and more efficient to use. Instead of having to meet at a common point, the algorithm picks a spot closer to customers’ locations.
4. Is Carpooling Safe?
Yes! Uber has incorporated advanced safety measures like reducing passenger capacity in vehicles and requiring face masks, among others, to ensure the safety of all passengers.
5. How Can I Opt-in for Carpooling?
Carpooling is now available on the Uber app as an option in the same menu as other ride types, including UberX, Uber Black, and UberLux. To select UberPool, customers need to select the pool option when requesting a ride, or they can set their preferences to carpool, and the app always prioritizes that option when booking.
