Uber Unveils Low-Cost Airport Shuttles, Pre-Booked Carpools

Uber introduced new services such as airport and concert shuttles and booked carpools at its annual Go-Get conference.

In select locations, Uber Shuttle will soon allow users to book airport or concert shuttle buses using the Uber app. Uber said the charge will be "a fraction" of a typical journey, according to The Verge.

Uber will receive access to amphitheaters nationwide when Live Nation, Ticketmaster's parent business, partners with it. This agreement promotes Uber Shuttle as a vital link between venues and public transport hubs or parking lots.

Uber is also working with Hard Rock Stadium for the Dolphins, Formula One, and Grand Prix races. The company will confirm which US cities will offer airport shuttles later.

Moreover, Uber Shuttle will use local shuttle bus operators with 14-55-seat cars, unlike Uber's ride-hailing service. Up to five tickets can be reserved for shuttle journeys seven days in advance. Prices will not be affected by surge pricing, which increases during sports games and concerts.

Uber X Share: Advanced Carpool Booking

The company also announced at Go-Get pre-booked shared trips for UberX Share service, allowing users to take transport with strangers going in a similar direction at a discount. Rising app usage during commutes drove this change.

Customers may now book shared trips 10 minutes to 30 days in advance for up to 25% less than UberX. After launching in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, and Atlanta, the feature will roll out in more locations, per CNN.

According to Camiel Irving, US and Canada mobility operations general manager, ride sharing has become "an essential part of the future of cities at our scale."

UberX Share bookings should help with morning and evening journeys. In its last financial report, the carpool service reported $1 billion in annualized reservations and sixfold growth in shared rides. In its quarterly reporting, Uber does not include shared ride income.

The company shut down its initial carpool service, UberPool, during the COVID-19 outbreak but revived it. Despite being one of the cheaper alternatives, UberPool was unpopular with drivers owing to low customer ratings, inefficient algorithms, and convoluted routes.

Uber for Caregivers, Students Announced

Also included in the Uber Go-Get announcement is the Uber Caregiver service. According to CNBC, starting this summer, Uber Caregiver will allow caregivers to add loved ones, such as elderly family members, to their profiles. This service will help users plan transportation, get medical supplies, and buy groceries. The three-way chat feature in Uber Caregiver will let drivers, riders, and carers communicate.

Furthermore, if eligible, insurance benefits can minimize out-of-pocket expenditures. According to the company, Uber Caregiver will initially serve Medicaid participants, Medicare Advantage seniors, and companies with commercial insurance.

Another Uber announcement in this year's Go-Get conference was Uber One for students, wherein college folks can utilize it for $4.99 per month, down from $9.99.

According to Uber, students will receive freebies and special bargains, including daily discounts on Taco Bell, Domino's, and Starbucks purchases.

The Uber One Student Plan launches in May in the US, in July in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, and in September in Japan and France.

Meanwhile, Uber Eats' "Lists" feature lets users build and share lists of restaurants and favorite places, in addition to its membership program. Company examples include "date night desserts" and "toddler-approved dinners."