After Trip Radar, Uber Reintroduces UberPool as UberX Share in Bristol Despite driver concerns

In a bid to innovate urban mobility and reduce carbon footprints, Uber has reintroduced its UberPool as UberX Share service in Bristol.

UberX Share allows passengers to share their rides with others heading in a similar direction, cutting both fares and environmental impact.

However, while this initiative has been embraced in cities like New York and San Francisco, its previous attempt in London under the name UberPool failed, primarily due to strong driver resistance.

Very recently, the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU) launched a petition on Change.org, urging immediate action to stop the use of Uber's "Trip Radar" feature, highlighting significant safety risks for both drivers and passengers.

Uber’s Vision: Affordability and Sustainability

Uber’s push for UberX Share is part of its broader effort to make urban transport more affordable and sustainable.

By offering shared rides, the company promises a 20% reduction in fare compared to regular UberX trips, while also minimizing the carbon footprint of rides.

Uber's stated goal is to make cities more sustainable by reducing the number of single-passenger vehicles on the road, easing congestion, and lowering emissions.

This service aligns with Uber's long-term strategy of providing more affordable mobility options while maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

The company has also rolled out additional services such as Uber for Teens and Uber One for Students, targeting younger demographics and families who seek reliable and budget-friendly transport options.

UberX Share Vs Drivers: A Challenging Model

While UberX Share might seem appealing from a passenger’s perspective, it has faced strong opposition from drivers, who argue that the financial and logistical challenges outweigh the benefits.

The UberX Share service was introduced in London several years ago but was discontinued due to resistance from drivers.

Drivers point out that the service’s low earnings coupled with additional stops and detours to accommodate multiple passengers—make it an economically unviable option.

The promise of shared rides doesn’t always translate into increased earnings. In fact, drivers have found that they often spend more time on the road without a corresponding increase in fare.

The extra effort required to pick up and drop off multiple passengers makes it hard to make a profit, particularly when fuel costs and vehicle maintenance are considered.

Moreover, drivers are also concerned about safety. Managing multiple passengers with different drop-off points can lead to distractions, increasing the risk of accidents. In addition, drivers are frustrated by the lack of transparency around fare structure, as the system sometimes forces them to accept trips without clear visibility of their financial reward beforehand.

The Power Dynamics: Uber's Position in the Market

Uber’s dominance in the market has given it the leverage to implement features like UberX Share without facing much competition.

In many cities, including Bristol, Uber is a dominant player, with few alternatives for drivers to turn to. This means that many drivers feel they have little choice but to comply with Uber’s terms, even if they disagree with the new service.

The lack of alternatives means drivers are often caught between trying to earn a living and the reality that Uber’s service terms are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.

While the introduction of UberX Share in other countries shows promise in markets where ride-sharing is more established, in the UK, where drivers face high competition and regulatory challenges, the growing unease from drivers underscores a fundamental tension: drivers’ livelihoods depend on these services, and if the financial model doesn’t work for them, neither will the service.

As Uber attempts to make shared rides a reality in the UK, only time will tell if the company can strike the right balance between affordable transportation for passengers and fair compensation for drivers.

UberX Share: Comprehensive FAQ

UberX Share is a new ride-sharing option in Bristol, offering a more affordable and convenient way for riders to share a trip with others traveling in the same direction.

FAQ for Riders

How do I ride with UberX Share?

1. Request
   Open the Uber app, enter your destination in the "Where to?" box, and confirm your pick-up and destination addresses. Scroll down and select the Share option (you might need to scroll). Then tap Confirm Share.
   After a short wait in the UberX Share Waiting Room, you’ll be matched with a driver. You’ll be able to track the driver’s arrival on the map, just like any other Uber ride.

2. Ride
   The app will match you with other riders heading in the same direction. Check that the vehicle details (such as the make and model) in the app match what you see before you get in.

3. Hop Out
   Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll be automatically charged through your payment method on file. You can exit the vehicle and, if satisfied with the ride, consider tipping the driver within the app.

How many seats can I request on UberX Share?

You can only request one seat on UberX Share. If you’re traveling with friends or a group, you’ll need to select UberX or UberXL instead.

How many co-riders will I be matched with?

You’ll be matched with a maximum of two other passengers. However, if one of your co-riders gets dropped off before you, the app will search for another passenger going your way to minimize any extra travel time. The system is designed to keep added time under 8 minutes on average.

How long will it take to pick up other riders?

UberX Share aims to add no more than 8 minutes to your trip. However, this is an average estimate, and actual wait times may vary due to factors like traffic or route delays. You’ll always see an updated estimated arrival time in the app.

I was picked up first. Why was I dropped off second?

The order of pick-up and drop-off depends on where your destination falls along the route, not on who was picked up first. Your drop-off will occur based on the most efficient route, which may mean being dropped off after another co-rider.

What if my co-rider takes us out of the way?

The UberX Share app tries to match you with passengers heading your way, and it will only look for new riders who won’t extend your ride by more than 8 minutes on average. This minimizes disruptions and ensures efficient routing.

Is there room for my luggage?

The availability of space depends on the number of passengers in the vehicle and the size of the car. If you’re carrying luggage, we recommend requesting an UberX trip instead of UberX Share for a more comfortable experience.

How long will my driver wait for me at my pick-up spot?

Your driver will wait for 2 minutes at your pick-up location. After this time, the driver may cancel the ride and collect a cancellation fee. It’s best to be ready at your specified pick-up time.

Where is UberX Share available in the UK?

Currently, UberX Share is only available in Bristol, UK.

UberX Share FAQ for Drivers

How does UberX Share work for drivers?

Once you’ve completed 700 trips on Uber and your insurance covers ‘multi-fare passenger shared rides’, you can start accepting UberX Share trips. When you get a request, you’ll see the option labeled Share at the top of the trip offer card.

If you accept, the app will search for other riders requesting UberX Share trips in the same direction. If another rider is added to your trip, your route and earnings will automatically update.

Can I opt out of receiving UberX Share requests?

Yes, you can opt out of both UberX and UberX Share requests from the Driver Preferences section of the Driver app.

How does UberX Share affect my earnings?

Your earnings for UberX Share trips are the same as they would be for a standard UberX ride. This includes the total fare from the first pick-up to the final drop-off.

Even with multiple riders, you’re still paid for the entire trip, ensuring you earn as you would for any standard UberX ride.

UberX Share can also help reduce downtime between trips, keeping you busier while on the road.

Will UberX Share trips impact my Uber Pro points?

Yes, you’ll earn Uber Pro points for each additional co-rider you pick up during an UberX Share trip.

These points contribute to your status and potential rewards. However, rejecting UberX Share requests or declining co-riders will not affect your Uber Pro status.

How do I handle co-riders?

When a co-rider is added to your trip, the app will automatically update your route. If you feel uncomfortable with the new pick-up or the additional co-rider, you can cancel the trip or reject the co-rider within 10 seconds of notification.

What happens if a rider doesn’t follow the rules?

Riders are prohibited from changing their drop-off location after requesting UberX Share. If they insist on doing so, you should encourage them to cancel and rebook the ride.

If they argue about the co-riders, you have the option to decline or cancel the addition of other riders. In such cases, you’ll still receive the fare equivalent to an UberX ride with a single passenger.

How is the pricing structured for UberX Share?

UberX Share offers riders discounted fares compared to regular UberX trips. However, this reduction does not affect your earnings as a driver.

The price is based on factors like the estimated trip duration, distance, and surge pricing.

Any additional costs, such as tolls, will be added to the final fare.

What’s the best navigation system for UberX Share?

We recommend using Uber’s in-app navigation for UberX Share trips. The app will automatically update your route with each new co-rider, guiding you precisely where to pick up and drop off each rider. This ensures a smoother experience for you and your passengers.

How does Uber ensure the safety of UberX Share rides?

To ensure safety, UberX Share has some specific guidelines:

• Three co-riders maximum per trip.
• Riders are only allowed to book one seat each.
• Teen accounts** cannot book UberX Share rides.
• Riders with reports of interpersonal conflicts are not eligible for UberX Share trips.