Launching just in time for the weekend, Uber has brought their carpooling service UberPool to Singapore today, allowing drivers to pick up more passengers who are travelling in the same direction.
Up to 25 percent in charges can be saved when you match with other passengers in their new ridesharing option, says Uber. It works pretty much like their standard uberX, except users need to enter their destination when requesting the trip, which will produce a fixed upfront fare. The app will do its algorithmic wizardry and match your ride with others who are travelling the same route, and the driver will pick them up (including you) at maximum of two riders per pickup.
The incentive here is that the quoted fares shown before pressing the request button is guaranteed — meaning you’re still paying up to 25 percent lesser than the standard solo fare, regardless if you’re matched or not. Oh, and it helps in reducing carbon footprint and congestion, if you’re into that kinda thing.
UberPoolers won’t be exempt from surge pricing, but at least it’ll stay cheaper than what you’ll get charged in a solo UberX ride. It’s pretty clear that the initiative will come in real handy in highly populated locations like the CBD or Changi Airport.
Prior to its launch in Singapore, UberPool was already established in other cities, including multiple states in USA, Canada and China. Uber, however, is hardly the first to offer carpooling services in the country — GrabHitch was launched last year, and RYDE, Tripda and ShareTransport.sg established themselves way before UberPool.
