Uber is known for both its ride-sharing Application and its separate food delivery application. Recently, the company announced that it would be combining the two apps into one in a move designed to grow the user base.

The Goal

The goal behind the move is for Uber to become the go-to destination for everything, including grocery and food delivery plus public transit. Dara Khosrowshahi, the Uber CEO, said that Uber wants to be the company that serves as an “operating system for your daily life.” The changes come in response to skepticism about its long-term future and profitability.

The New App

With the new application, users will open the app and immediately get to choose whether they want to use the Eats feature or need a ride. Uber will continue adding more services and add those to the home screen as well, giving users one-click access to each new feature.

Future Additions

Uber is already working on adding public transit options, such as showing users the subway and bus routes. This information will include the estimated schedules and costs. Some markets will even have the ability to purchase tickets for public transit via the application. Uber also teased that it will be adding grocery delivery.

Subscription Passes

In addition to the updated application, Uber is launching subscription passes with various perks. These can include free Jump bike rides and free Uber Eats delivery. There will also be combo subscriptions that give perks and bonuses across both ride-sharing and Eats features.

Enhanced Safety

Along with all the other changes, Uber is also enhancing safety. This includes selfie verification that is more extensive for safety. There will also now be the ability to send a text right to 911 while in transit. There will be a pre-written text that includes the passenger’s destination and vehicle information. The text will have room for the passenger to indicate the type of emergency. This feature will also have live location sharing with the police.

To further enhance safety, Uber will begin using PIN codes that help ensure riders get into the right vehicle. This will be an option for passengers, and when activated, the driver cannot start the ride without the proper PIN from the passenger. This way, the rider can tell they are in the wrong vehicle. Uber also plans to send these codes from the phones in the future automatically, but that ability is still in testing.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bizcarson/2019/09/26/uber-overhauls-app-for-eats-rides/#45cd83e645c8

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/26/uber-redesigns-app-to-include-public-transit-adds-new-safety-features.html

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