Through Uber Philippines’ new ride-sharing service called uberPOOL, sharing a ride with another rider traveling the same direction at a cheaper cost is now possible.
“Car pooling with technology,” described Laurence Cua, General Manager at Uber Philippines, about the new feature which serves riders, initially in Metro Manila, in real-time through technology.
The launch of Uber’s new feature, which was held at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office in Diliman, Quezon City, coincided with the agency’s 29th anniversary.
Uber Philippines General Manager Laurence Cua (third from right) with LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez (fourth from left) at the uberPOOL launch
During the press conference, Laurence Cua, General Manager at Uber Philippines, said the new service is now in operation. He notes that a commuter may now share a ride with up to three riders who are heading in the same route and split the cost.
With uberPOOL, the cost of the trip is 25% cheaper than uberX, whether another passenger rides or not, according to Cua.
Commuters who want to avail of the sharing service must select the uberPOOL option in the app, enter their destination and request a ride.
Once the destination is entered, uberPOOL will then match you with another rider heading in the same route. That rider will either be in the car at the start of your trip, in which case you’ll see their name in advance; or your driver will pick them up along the way, in which case Uber will notify you via the app.
Whether you are first or second into the car, Uber ensures that you’re never taken more than a few minutes out of your way.
As soon as you reach your destination, you’ll pay the cost of fare and an electronic receipt will be issued to you.
Regarding passengers who fear about their safety over sharing a ride with other passengers, Uber addresses this.
“Every person who is using Uber is actually validated. Drivers cannot just pick up passengers on the street. They have to be registered, they have to have credit card, mobile number and email, so everything is tracked,” said Cua.
Meanwhile, Winston Ginez, LTFRB Chairman, said there is no need for Uber to secure new license since the new service is not a new franchise and would use UberX existing cars.
The ride sharing service is initially available in Metro Manila, but according to Ginez, there’s current application for Cebu right now.
Cua also told media that apart from ride sharing, uberPOOL could help ease the worsening traffic situation in the metropolis by “getting more people into fewer cars” and reduce carbon dioxide emission.
“Saving gasoline, saving money and getting one less car off the road,” said Cua.
