Uber To Help Coordinate Carpools With New Service

Uber on Tuesday (Sept. 22) announced new services to help co-workers share Uber rides.

The offerings, which will roll out in the “new few weeks,” according to a company post, are among Uber for Business initiatives aimed at profiting from companies’ move to bring workers back into offices.

“People naturally feel more comfortable commuting with co-workers, as opposed to strangers. Taking this into consideration, new Employee Group Rides will leverage Uber’s existing rideshare technology to match employees from the same company when they request a ride to work,” Uber’s post states. “Individual employees will have the ability to request, manage and pay for their own portion of their trip and will ride exclusively with colleagues during days and times specified by their employers. Employers can also opt to subsidize or fully cover the cost of rides for employees.”

In the blog post, Uber shared the story of a customer who has embraced the new offerings. Dino Borri, global vice president of brand partnerships at Eataly, said, “We wanted to provide our essential workers with convenient and safe commuting options as well as subsidize their costs. Uber for Business gave us the ability to provide a cost-efficient solution to our employees while also encouraging social distancing.”

The post continued: “Since the onset of COVID-19, interest in Uber for Business’ commute programs has nearly doubled. Rideshare solutions that are tailored to company and employee needs, as well as local social distancing guidelines, will play a significant role in how businesses reimagine their commuting experience.”

Google also announced on Tuesday a plan to connect firms with third-party companies that operate fleet vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, vans and buses. The new commuter-related services will debut in the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific countries, Google stated in today’s release.

In August, Uber partnered with ServiceNow to provide greater access to rides for commuters.