Uber announced today that it is launching a new Reserve feature that lets riders schedule trips up to 30 days in advance. The initiative builds on the traditional on-demand model, as the ride-hailing service noticed that scheduling trips have become vastly popular during the coronavirus pandemic.
Users booking trips through the service will be shown the estimated fare as usual, and they will be required to make the booking more than two hours prior so Uber can make the necessary arrangements. Drivers chosen for the trip can be contacted in advance, and there is an additional 15 minutes of waiting time, giving users flexibility around departure if they need it. If the ride doesn"t arrive when scheduled, users will be awarded $50 in Uber Cash.
Starting next week, Uber Reserve will be available in more than 20 U.S. cities, which are Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Charleston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, D.C., Fort-Myers / Naples, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Jersey, New York City, New Orleans, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Seattle.
Initially, the feature will be restricted to Uber Black and Black SUV rides, with support for other car segments coming by the end of the year.