Uber announced several new product updates Wednesday at the company’s annual Go-Get showcase in New York, which aim to help its customers save money on rides and food.
The product updates reflect Uber’s continued efforts to drive growth and demand in its mobility and delivery business segments. The new features could help the company attract more passengers and users to its app.
Here are the main new offers announced by the company:
Uber Shuttle
Riders looking for a more affordable way to get to the airport, work, and live events, such as sports games and concerts, can reserve seats on an Uber shuttle.
Uber has partnered with local shuttle services who will pick up the riders and take them to their destination. Uber said the ride-hailing services employ commercially licensed drivers and users can tip and rate them directly in the Uber app.
The shuttles will have between 14 and 55 seats. Users can reserve up to five seats seven days in advance and will receive a QR code ticket. Passengers can track the location of their shuttle within 25 minutes of departure time.
The company said the shuttle would be a “fraction of the price” of a ride with UberX. Travel will not be affected by the price increase.
Uber will begin rolling out the feature at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and select music venues in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Charlotte, North Carolina, this summer. Uber said it would expand its offering in the future.
Uber Caregiver
Users who rely on support from caregivers in their daily lives will be able to add them directly to their profile starting this summer. This will allow caregivers to book rides for the people they care for and order medical supplies and groceries on their behalf.
The feature will also allow three-way chats between drivers, passengers and caregivers.
Uber said the user’s insurance benefits can be applied where applicable to help minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Uber Caregiver will initially support Medicaid beneficiaries, customers 65 and older with Medicare Advantage, and customers with commercial insurance from their employer.
Caregivers can sign up to be notified when more insurers are added.
Costco on Uber Eats
Uber said Costco will be available as an on-demand option in Uber Eats in select U.S. locations starting Wednesday.
Users can order products from Costco even if they aren’t members, but Uber said members will save between 15% and 20% compared to non-members.
Costco members can enter their membership number in the Uber Eats app and are eligible for 20% off Uber One, the company’s subscription.
Schedule UberX sharing
Uber announced Wednesday the launch of a new feature allowing users to schedule a shared ride in advance. The feature will save users about 25% on average compared to a typical ride on UberX, the company said. Passengers can plan their trips as early as 10 minutes in advance.
UberX Share scheduled trips are initially launching in cities with some of the highest return-to-office rates. This includes New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and San Diego. Uber said other locations would follow.
Uber One for students
Uber will offer its Uber One membership program at a discount to students. The program normally costs $9.99 per month, but it will be available to students for $4.99 per month.
The company said students will also have access to free items and special offers, such as daily discounts on their orders at Taco Bell, Domino’s and Starbucks.
The Uber One student plan will launch in the United States in May. It will roll out to Canada, New Zealand, Mexico and Australia in July, as well as Japan and France in September.
Uber Eats Lists
Uber is introducing a new feature called “Lists” in Uber Eats that allows users to create and share lists of restaurants and must-visit places. The company shared examples such as “party desserts” and “toddler approved” meals.
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