In a year of uncertainty, Uber Reserve offers the predictability we all need. The new feature, rolling out next week in more than 20 US cities, streamlines the user experience, allowing riders to book trips up to 30 days in advance—with an on-time pickup guarantee.
"You've told us that knowing what to expect provides added peace of mind. We've taken notice, as scheduling trips on Uber has become increasingly popular during these uncertain times," project leads Geoff Tam-Scott and Megha Jain wrote in a blog announcement.
Uber launched Scheduled Rides in 2016, inviting folks to secure a lift 30 minutes to 30 days in advance. Now it's upping the ante with additional waiting times of 15 minutes and the ability to choose favorite drivers. "This new ride experience provides you added control over your trip so you can focus on what matters the most," the company boasted.
Whether you're heading to a doctor's appointment, business meeting, or airport terminal, Reserve lets users arrange a car anywhere from two hours to 30 days prior. Uber presents your fare and driver upfront, connecting you with a chauffeur well before the trip even begins. The service also comes with an on-time guarantee: "While we hope every ride starts as planned, we're committed to making things right if your Reserve experience doesn't meet expectations," the blog said, promising $50 in Uber Cash if your car doesn't arrive when scheduled.
Starting with Uber Black and Black SUV, Uber Reserve will be available soon in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Charleston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort-Myers/Naples, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Jersey, New York City, New Orleans, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Requests are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis, and are not mandatory. The company aims to bring UberX, Comfort, and XL rides into the fold by the end of this year.