Uber introduces hourly ride booking option in the U.S.
by Usman Khan Lodhi
Uber is introducing a new feature aimed to assist riders who want to take longer rides with multiple destinations. Using the new "Hourly" functionality, riders can now take rides that would be charged per hour (via Reuters). Normally, ride fare calculation is based on the level of demand in specific localities and the trip distance.
The service, which is already available in several cities in Australia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, will cost $50 an hour. Before riders select the rides, they will be asked to enter how long they expect the trip to take and pay fare based on that time. The option had been requested by riders in the U.S., who wish to take extended trips during the coronavirus pandemic in an attempt to avoid exposure to multiple drivers and vehicles.
The firm expects the feature to be used by riders taking trips to grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical appointments. Starting June 2, this feature will be made available in Atlanta, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tacoma, and Seattle. The company expects to expand it to more cities in the coming weeks.