In the heart of New York City Uber has held their 2025 “Go-Get” event, launching the new Dine-Out experience which will be available in Sydney as a worldwide first, as well as a range of tweaks to their ride options within the Uber app.
Perhaps the smallest news, but the biggest deal is an indication from Uber they are set to trial Autonomous transportation. Early next year in Los Angeles Uber will partner with Volkswagen to deploy a fully autonomous version of the new all-electric ID. Buzz “Kombi” van.
These will offer a shared ride option in LA, a city that already has the ridesharing autonomous Waymo branded cars in use.
Volkswagen has been testing the ID. Buzz autonomous car in Germany, this will likely be it’s first commercial application in trial form next year.
For those of us in Australia though there’s a few things Uber is doing to help keep us using their app and using it more.
There will be a new ride option called “Route Share” which to me appears very similar to an old school “car pool”.
Operating on busy routes in the city on weekday commutes, there will be pickups ever 20 minutes with up to two co-riders on the journey. The fares will be up to 50% cheaper than an Uber X making it a great option for some commuters.
Then there’s a regular use discount, called Ride Passes. Price Lock allows you to pay $2.99 per month to lock in the price of a specific route, and save money every month on that route – avoiding extra costs from weather, traffic or construction.
A Prepaid Pass allows you to pay up front for 5, 10, 15 or 20 rides on regular routes
For Uber One members, the company is looking to create discounted deals with major brands and retailers – called Uber Member Days some of the retailers include Hoyts, The Iconic, Macca’s and of course across Uber rides and Uber eats – these go live on Friday May 16.
A strange one, but hey, it’s all about savings, the Uber Eats Savings Slider will allow you to create a grocery list and use Uber Eats to compare prices within the store or nearby stores.
Lots of little things, coming to the Uber experience now and over the months ahead.
Trevor Long travelled to New York as a guest of Uber
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair.
Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave.
