A very personal blog

UberPool now available in Manila!

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GIF from newsroom.uber.com

Last week, Uber introduced UberPOOL- a ridesharing option that lets you share a ride with others booking from the same area, heading at the same direction. If you’re cool with carpooling with strangers, go ahead and try this newest from Uber! It’s up to 25% cheaper than UberX ‘cos you’re technically splitting the bill with a maximum of three others, and it also aims to decongest the road by promoting carpooling.

Still on beta phase, it’s set to be available on the app by June 15.

How does it work?

If you’re already familiar with requesting an Uber ride, it pretty much follows the same booking procedures.

  • Open the app and select UberX, then under that select UberPOOL option
  • Key in your pick-up location and destination. A fare estimate will be available at this point.
  • Request a ride and enjoy the lower rate and potentially new friends 😉

What are the details?

UberPOOL is set to be available 24/7 starting June 15, 2016 and will cover the entire Metro Manila. Riders can book up to two seats per request. A maximum of four can share a ride.

How different is it from uberHOP?

Very. UberHOP is a scheduled rush hour shuttle to major business districts in Metro Manila. It follows a schedule, a flat rate, and a specific pick-up and drop-off point. It’s not on demand like uberPOOL.

Excited to try it?

Be one of the first to try it as it rolls out today and let me know how your experience goes! I’m wondering though if all common UberX cars are allowed to rideshare, a Mirage and an EON may be too small to sit 3 comfortably at the back (and I’m fat) haha #arteLungs

Not on Uber yet? Register using this promo code: UBERNATICS to get free credits for your first rides. If you’re afraid that you need to have a credit card to sign up, don’t worry ‘cos Uber accepts Visa/Mastercard prepaid cards as payment option. I, for one, am using a Visa prepaid card from BPI. 🙂