Uber Increases Access to Shared Rides and Eco-Friendly Services
Uber is aiming to become a zero-emission platform by 2040 and is taking steps to achieve this goal by expanding its current services and introducing new features. One of these features is the revamped carpooling service, UberX Share, which will now be available in 18 additional cities, bringing the total number of markets to 50. This will enable more individuals to share their commute with others who are heading in the same direction.
For those who prefer to drive their own vehicle, Uber is also launching Carshare, a new product that allows users to borrow cars from private owners in more locations. It initially launched in Australia, but will roll out to Boston and Toronto in the coming months. The company believes that turning private cars into shared vehicles could lead to more livable neighborhoods around the world.
Uber Green is now also available in Australia, giving passengers the choice of hybrid or fully electric vehicles for their ride. And speaking of green options, Uber has updated its app so that the Emissions Savings section of its Account page shows the emissions passengers have managed to avoid by choosing the Green and Comfort Electric options.
To encourage passengers to choose either Uber Green or Comfort Electric, which gives drivers access to top-class drivers in premium zero-emission vehicles, the company has also introduced airport-specific benefits. This summer, passengers who choose either option will enjoy cheaper fares and exclusive access to airport pickup areas. Meanwhile, drivers of hybrid or electric cars can use the airport’s fast charger for free or at a reduced price.
Uber is also integrating smart charging features into its Driver app so it can publish real-time charging prices and locations. The updated app also has the ability to filter trip requests based on the vehicle’s battery level, so drivers end up near a charger and don’t have to travel much longer than their current battery capacity can handle.
The company already announced in 2020 that it plans to be completely emission-free by 2040. It hopes to be able to offer 100 percent driving in emission-free vehicles, public transport or micromobiles such as bicycles by then. (It is, by the way, expanding bikes into Chile in partnership with bike-sharing network Tembic.) Now it has included Uber Eats in that promise. Its goal is to eliminate all emissions related to food delivery services by 2040 and to end all unnecessary plastic waste from deliveries ten years earlier by 2030.
