Google I/O is not the only one tech-adjacent event this week. Uber just stopped annual GO-GET event and announced a number of new features coming to the rideshare platform/taxi app/whatever you want to call it. Much of this news concerns shuttles and expanded ride-sharing options, particularly a new option called Uber Shuttle.
It allows users to reserve up to five seats for up to seven days for travel to big events like concerts and basketball games, though it’s also available for airport trips. The company boasts that the feature is particularly budget-friendly, noting that each driver will pay “a fraction of the cost of UberX.” The company promises that these rides will not be affected by the price increase. It should also be noted that these shuttles are only for the events listed in the program, which is kind of a bummer.
Uber has partnered with Live Nation to bring these shuttles to select venues throughout the summer, including Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and Charlotte’s PNC Pavilion. These Uber Rides won’t be your typical Nissan Sentra or Toyota Camry. They are actual shuttles that hold anywhere from 14 to 55 passengers. The company says each driver will be issued a commercial license to drive the large vehicle.
Rideshare companies have been trying to crack the “rebranded bus” for some time now. Uber tried Something in 2015, called Uber Hop, was designed to bring together more drivers on a similar route. It didn’t last, but Uber Pool shared rides were a thing for years until the pandemic. This time, Uber’s effort is focused strictly on events, trying to fill the void that exists in places where public transportation isn’t as efficient as getting to and from places thanks to our country’s reliance on cars.
GO-GET wasn’t just shuttles with a fresh coat of Silicon Valley paint. UberX Share, the company’s replacement for Uber Pool Launched in 2023, is getting a new feature that lets users plan shared rides in advance to save some money. The company notes that the average driver should save about 25 percent per ride using the tool compared to a regular ride with UberX.
The company says this is “perfect for employment” as it has recently seen an increase in ridership during traditional commute hours. Uber also says it’s “deliberately rolling out this new offering in cities experiencing the highest rates of workers 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 lets people drive loved ones to doctor’s appointments and more. Eventually, you’ll be able to use it to deliver things like groceries or over-the-counter medications, too. If you’re caring for someone, they can add you as a designated Caregiver in their Uber app, allowing you to do things like book a ride. Uber says you’ll also be able to apply insurance benefits — so if the person you’re caring for is in a program that provides a certain number of trips to a medical center, for example, those things can be applied in the app. to save money out of your pocket. Caregiver will be available starting with travel booking options this summer.
Food delivery platform Uber Eats is getting several updates. The company also added Costco ranking of retail delivery offers. Not only will Costco members get the items delivered, but they should also receive an additional discount on top of their membership benefits. Ultimately, Uber Eats Lists are a new way for people to decide what to eat. It allows users to review restaurant recommendations from friends and local eateries. Uber says it makes it “easy to explore a new city or change your destinations.” The service will launch in NYC and Chicago in July, with more cities to come.
Even if regular Uber users don’t live in Minneapolis, they should keep an eye out for these features throughout the summer. Uber then raises the stakes The city council voted to increase the wages of drivers. He prefers to leave a bustling metropolis than adhere to a small salary increase. After all, the idea of fair payment can spread and infect the innocent minds of Uber drivers everywhere. long live perfectly healthy and normal gig economy.
Correction, May 15, 2024, 2:45 PM ET: This story has been updated to correct information about Uber Caregiver and to clarify that surge pricing does not apply to Uber Shuttle service. The title has also been updated.
