Uber To Test New Service That Allows Riders To Split Bill When Traveling To Similar Destinations
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Ride service company Uber is testing a new service that will allow customers to share a ride – and split the cost – with another person traveling along a similar route.
A beta version of UberPool will be launching to the public on August 15 in the Bay Area. According to a blog post on its website, the company said customers who sign up for the service will be able to request a ride like normal. If Uber finds another rider that is a match, customers are notified of that person's first name. If no match is found, there will still be a discount on the ride.
UberPool would cut costs for users, sometimes by as much as 40 percent, although Uber would not give the exact price breakdown for customers.
Calling it a "bold social experiment," Uber said there will be kinks and surprises to work through, including how much interaction there will be between riders, thought the company said the ultimate goal is to continue to try to reduce the number of cars on the road.
UberPool has already rolled out in private beta, as officials are hoping to get feedback from both riders and drivers about their experience. It will be limited to certain markets while in its test phase.