More than anything, Uber has transformed itself into a company that wants to get people where they need to go – no matter what mode of transport is available – think of Uber Copter (the helicopter ride from Manhattan to JFK).
Uber has always maintained that it is a technology company, not a taxi service. While that argument may seem unconvincing at first, it’s not entirely without merit – Uber manages to toe a fine line between the physical and digital world.
After two years of extended pandemic living – 2022 looks like a sea change. One of the busiest travel seasons is here, a record-breaking number of weddings will be held this year, and climate is at the center of the global conversation.
How is Uber planning to drive this travel season? It is here with a new suite of products to help users go anywhere and get anything they want. The new features were highlighted during the event in a video starring comedian and co-creator of “Broad City,” Ilana Glazer, who demonstrated a day in the life of using the new Uber products.
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Uber Travel
Uber Travel lets you reserve rides for each leg of your itinerary in one fell swoop. Connect your email account, and Uber will take care of organizing your hotel, flight, and restaurant reservations – all in one place for a stress-free travel experience. You can earn 10% back in Uber Cash for each Reserve ride you book with Uber Travel; it’ll pay you to plan. Uber Travel is available in the US and coming soon in Canada and the UK – where you will be able to book trains, coaches, and car rentals.
Uber Charter
Uber Charter lets you book a party bus, passenger van, or coach bus – directly from the Uber app, with the upfront estimated price. Uber Charter is launching across the US this summer.
Voucher for Events
What is it? From weddings to corporate functions – Uber has launched Voucher for events, which will make it easy to cover the cost of rides for guests. Enter your event details and the maximum amount you want to cover, and share your unique code with your guests. Guests will determine their pickup and dropoff at a time and location that works best for them – and you will avoid overpaying for unused seats. You can also treat guests to Vouchers for Uber Eats in person or from afar. Vouchers are also available through Uber for Business, so companies can reward employees, offer special experiences for their customers, and more.
Uber Comfort Electric
As part of Uber’s global commitment to becoming a zero-emissions mobility platform by 2040, Uber continues to take steps to help the world go electric. According to a partnership with Herts to make up to 50,000 Teslas available for drivers to rent by 2023. With more electric vehicles on the road in the US than ever before, Uber has introduced Comfort Electric – a way to go around town in style and be a part of the climate solution. It’s as simple as tapping a button and requesting a ride in a premium EV like a Tesla or Polestar. Comfort Electric is now available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Dubai, with more cities soon.
EV Hub and Charging Map
Uber’s goal is to become the cleanest mobility platform in the world. Uber has built an EV Hub in the Uber Driver app – a one-stop shop where drivers can get information and incentives to join the eclectic revolution – and even compare the cost of ownership of an EV with a non-EV. Also, to make everyone’s life easy, they add a Charging Map directly to the Driver app to show them where the nearest EV charging stations are, the charging speeds and navigation to get there.
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Voice Ordering
Uber has integrated Google Assistant into Uber East – when you don’t have an extra hand. You can get your favorite meal, snack, and other necessities simply by using your voice. Just say “OK, Google,” and ask your phone to order a meal from a restaurant on Uber Eats. Voice Ordering will start rolling out globally in English, with more languages.
Uber Eats at Stadiums
Uber Eats and Postmates allow you to place your order from concessions at the stadium and skip the line to pick up your food when it’s ready. Uber Eats at Stadiums is available in LA at Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium; in New York at Yankee Stadium; in Washington, DC at Capital One Arena; in Houston at Minute Maid Park; in San Jose at PayPal Park; and in Rennes, France at Roazhon Park, with more to come around the world.
Autonomous Delivery
Uber has introduced two autonomous delivery programs in LA. Serve Robotics’ friendly sidewalk robots offer short-range deliveries with easy handoffs. Motional build all-electric autonomous vehicle fleets designed to navigate city streets safely. These pilots mark Uber’s continued work to bring safe, reliable, and affordable autonomous technology to merchants and consumers.
Uber One
Last but not least, Uber membership program – Uber One. It will bring together the best of the platform and help members save across Uber rides and Uber Eats. Uber is launching new perks for members in the US with partners including Marriott Bonvoy, CLEAR, and obé Fitness. Join today and get $30 off your next delivery plus your first month of membership free if you are eligible. They are also expanding Uber One across the globe to Mexico, Germany, and the UK, with more countries to follow soon.
