Uber announced several new product updates at their annual Go-Get showcase in New York City aimed at helping customers save money on rides and food. The updates reflect Uber’s efforts to drive growth and demand in its mobility and delivery business segments. Some of the key offerings include Uber Shuttle, a more affordable option for getting to airports, work, and events; Uber Caregiver, which allows caregivers to add loved ones to their profiles for easier booking of rides and ordering of supplies; and Costco on Uber Eats, offering Costco products with discounts for members.
Uber Shuttle allows users to reserve seats on shuttles with 14-55 seats, operated by local shuttle services with commercially licensed drivers. Users can reserve up to five seats up to seven days in advance, with pricing significantly lower than UberX rates. The feature will initially roll out at various venues across the U.S., with plans for expansion in the future. Uber Caregiver allows caregivers to book rides for loved ones and order supplies on their behalf, with features such as three-way chats between drivers, riders, and caregivers, and the ability to apply insurance benefits to minimize costs.
Costco products will be available on Uber Eats in select locations across the U.S., with discounts for members. Non-members can still order from Costco through Uber Eats, but members stand to save between 15-20% on their purchases. Additionally, Uber has introduced a feature that allows users to schedule shared rides in advance, saving an average of 25% compared to typical UberX rides. The feature is initially launching in cities with high return-to-office rates, with plans for expansion to more locations.
Uber is also offering its Uber One membership program at a discounted rate for college students. Normally priced at $9.99 per month, the program will be available to students at $4.99 a month. Students will also have access to free items and special deals on food orders from participating restaurants. The Uber One Student Plan will launch in the U.S. in May, followed by rollout in several other countries later in the year. Additionally, Uber Eats is introducing a new feature called Lists, allowing users to curate and share lists of restaurants and go-to spots, such as “date night desserts” and “toddler-approved dinners.”
Overall, the new product updates introduced by Uber aim to provide users with cost-effective and convenient options for transportation and food delivery. With features such as Uber Shuttle, Uber Caregiver, Costco on Uber Eats, and discounted membership programs for students, the company is hoping to attract more riders and users to its platform. By expanding services and offering special deals, Uber is aiming to drive growth and demand across its various business segments.
