Uber is expanding its lowest-cost option that lets you share a ride with other people heading in the same direction. In a blog post on Wednesday, UberX Share said it will be available in Baltimore, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Nashville, Tennessee, in the coming weeks. Uber said it plans to launch the option in more cities soon.
The company said that if you choose the UberX Share option, you’ll get a discount upfront and can save up to 20% on the total fare if you’re matched with another rider. Uber said the option is designed to prevent delays, noting that “on average, riders arrive at least 8 minutes after they board UberX.”
UberX Share is already available in dozens of cities across the United States and Canada. It is also available in more than 20 international cities, including Sydney, Buenos Aires and Paris.
Uber said that in addition to saving you money, expanding the shared ride option is consistent with its goal of encouraging fewer cars on the road. The company has pledged to become a zero-emissions platform globally by 2040.
Xin Bai Tsai, Uber’s head of cities and transportation policy, wrote in the Post.
How to book a ride with UberX Share
If you’re in a city where UberX Share is available, you can book the lowest-cost option through the Uber app. Just open the app, enter your destination, and scroll down to UberX Share.
Uber will try to find other people going in the same direction, and you’ll get extra savings if you match with another rider. Depending on everyone’s destinations, you could get second place even if you are the first to be picked up.
Once you’re delivered, you pay and tip (if you want) through the Uber app.
You can only use the UberX Share option if you are requesting a single seat. Groups of two or more must stick to UberX or Uber XL.