Uber has introduced new features aimed at addressing concerns about the cost of its ride-hailing services. The company has launched prepaid passes, allowing customers to pay a discounted rate in advance for frequently traveled routes. These passes are available in bundles of 5, 10, 15, or 20 rides, with discounts ranging from 5% to 20% based on the size of the bundle.
To promote these offers, Uber will compare the standard fare for a single ride to the discounted fare provided through bulk purchases. For example, while a single ride from Lower Manhattan to Midtown may cost around $19, surge pricing can increase that fare to as high as $30. Customers who buy passes in bulk will avoid these inflated prices.
Additionally, when purchasing prepaid passes, riders can choose a 1-hour time window in which they typically request rides. Uber will feature a countdown to indicate how many passes remain in the user’s account. Initial implementation of this feature will occur in 75 cities, including major urban areas such as Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Uber is also expanding its price-lock feature, which allows customers to secure a fixed price for up to 10 routes for a monthly fee of $2.99. If the actual fare falls below the locked price, customers will be charged the lower amount. This feature aims to offer price predictability, particularly for users who consistently take the same trips. After a trial in select cities, it is now available in all major U.S. cities and Brazil.
In addition to the prepaid passes and price locks, Uber has announced other initiatives, including ride passes for teen accounts and a “Meal Deals” feature from Uber Eats, which provides bulk meal orders from restaurants for $15 or less, though delivery times may be longer.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/782765/uber-prepaid-pass-bundle-discount-route