Uber, the newly public ride-hailing startup, is gearing up to launch a subscription plan for food delivery.
Reports citing code hidden in the Android Uber app reported the service will cost $9.99 a month, giving users free unlimited food delivery. The service will be called Uber Eats Pass, according to reports. In addition to getting unlimited food delivery each month, Uber Eats Pass removes the service fee that is typically about 15 percent of the cost of the order. Since that can be $5 or higher, users who get a lot of food delivered stand to save a lot.
Jane Manchun Wong, a reverse-engineering specialist, alerted reporters to the service. She was able to get screenshots of the code that revealed the new feature. Some of the code reads, “Get free delivery, any restaurant, any time” and shows the amount of money that can be saved, said reports. “We’re always thinking about new ways to enhance the Eats experience,” an Uber spokesperson told reporters without providing any more details. That said, the report could mean a launch is soon, but some details are being worked on. If Uber charges $9.99 a month it would be similar to Postmates Unlimited and DoorDash DashPass.
The move could help lift the stock price of Uber that has been languishing since it went public via an initial public offering two weeks ago. On Tuesday (May 22) shares closed at $41.50, below the IPO price of $42. Rival Lyft, which went public in late March, is suffering a similar fate. The stock is down double digits since its IPO. Investors appear concerned about the lack of profits and the intense competition in the ride-hailing and food delivery markets. For Uber, any ways it can stand out from its competition and keep users is key. Reports noted Uber is also looking at letting restaurants offer discounts in exchange for a promoted placement on the app.
