The platform Uber announced the launch of Route Share, a new travel option designed for daily commutes, which aims to ease the expenses of its customers.
This service, which operates Monday to Friday during peak hours (6 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.), offers fixed routes with stops every 20 minutes and allows you to share the ride with up to two additional passengers, at a cost up to 50% lower than an UberX.
What is Route Share?
According to the company, Route Share is designed for those who commute to work daily and are looking for a more economical and predictable option. The user must walk to a nearby pick-up corner, share the ride with others, and stick to a direct route without significant detours.
The service is now available in cities such as New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Baltimore, with plans to expand to other locations.
Inevitable comparisons: Did Uber reinvent the bus?
Although Uber presents it as an innovation in mobility, numerous users and analysts on social media quickly pointed out its similarities to traditional public transportation, particularly buses.
“In other words: a bus,” quipped journalist Andy O’Donoghue in a viral post on X following the announcement.
In fact, an example cited by Uber shows that a trip from Manhattan's Upper West Side to the Lower East Side would cost about $19 with Route Share, compared to nearly $38 for an UberX, yet it still remains well above the standard fare for an MTA bus, which is around $3.
What is Uber looking for?
During the GoGet event, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated that the goal is to ease the financial burden on users during times of economic uncertainty, according to the media Fortune.
It was also announced that Uber will explore agreements with employers so that Route Share becomes eligible as a workplace transportation benefit, a strategy to integrate more deeply into the urban labor ecosystem.
In general, the initiative has been met with interest, but also with criticism and mockery for its similarity to services that have existed for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uber's new Route Share service
What is Uber Route Share?
Uber Route Share is a new service from Uber designed to provide affordable rides on fixed routes during peak hours. It allows users to share their ride with up to two additional passengers, at a cost of up to 50% less than an UberX trip.
How does Uber's Route Share service work?
Route Share operates with fixed routes and stops every 20 minutes. Users must walk to a nearby pickup corner, share the ride with others, and follow a direct route without significant detours. It is available Monday through Friday during peak hours in cities like New York and San Francisco.
Why is Uber Route Share compared to traditional public transportation?
Many users and analysts have pointed out that Route Share has similarities with public transportation, especially with buses, as it operates on fixed routes, has regular stops, and allows ridesharing with other passengers, which has led to criticisms and unavoidable comparisons.
What are Uber's objectives with the launch of Route Share?
The CEO of Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi, stated that the goal of Route Share is to alleviate the financial burden on users during times of economic uncertainty. Additionally, Uber aims to integrate this service as a workplace transportation benefit through agreements with employers.
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