Will Uber’s Cheaper Express POOL Be Coming To Rochester?
If you’ve ever found yourself in a position where you don’t have access to a car, it’s been great having rideshare services like Uber and Lyft in Rochester (even some local taxi services have their own apps now).
But if you haven’t heard, Uber is testing out a new feature that could end up saving you 75% less than a regular ride – if you don’t mind walking a bit. It’s not yet available in Minnesota, but it’s still a pretty cool idea.
It’s called Express POOL, and they’re calling it their most affordable option. Here’s how it works:
- You request an UberPOOL through your app and wait a few moments for the app to give you a pickup spot, which might be a block away from your current location
- You walk to that pickup spot and wait for your ride
- Your ride will take you to an efficient dropoff location selected by Uber, so you’ll end up walking a short distance to your destination
So basically, by helping Uber be more efficient with their rides, they’ll lower the cost of your fare. They’re currently trying it out in 8 U.S. cities, but they’re saying more will follow. Hopefully it comes to Minnesota, because I'd totally use it. This might not be for everyone, especially if you’d prefer not to walk alone at night. But for cheapskates like me who would walk three blocks to save a couple bucks, it’s a good option to have!
Source: Star Tribune