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Well, this comes as a surprise — but a pleasant one. Let me explain.
Years ago I tested Uber pre-order. Little did I know that it was not a real pre-order of an Uber but that, at the time requested, the Uber app simply ordered me a ride if available. What if no cars are available? Too bad, so sad. You’re stuck.
That is one of the reasons that when it really mattered I did not use Uber but GroundLink (or in Europe, Welcome Pickups) that I found to be 100% reliable and good service. Sad to say, that company is one of the many victims of COVID and they ceased operations this past August and I have not tested the company they transferred their user database to (they have no Android App yet). 🙁
**RELATED: Three Amex Cards Get Uber Benefits
But now, per Reuters.com, Uber is rolling out a REAL* pre-order ride offer. I used an asterisk both in the post title and here because it is like not going to be the same thing as a scheduled ride. My guess is it will be the same tech they have had but with priority. Notice what the Reuters post tells us:
“Uber already offers customers the option to schedule rides, but executives said the new Reserve feature also allows riders to favor specific drivers and provides $50 in Uber credit should a reserved ride not arrive on time.” – Reuters.com
Well, it would help cover the cost of calling a taxi in an emergency if an Uber does not show up or is not available. But there is more:
“Riders pay an $8 to $12 reservation fee, which is included in the upfront price locked in when booking.” – Reuters.com
So you pay to pre-book a ride that may or may not show up and then, since it is Uber, you may have to fight to get both the prepaid money back if something goes wrong and who knows how hard it will be to get the promised $50 credit.
Overall I am happy that Uber seems to be moving in the direction of a true pre-order car but time will tell if they pull it off. What do you think about this “new” service? – René
Featured image: ©iStock.com/blinow61
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“Riders pay an $8 to $12 reservation fee”
Yea this is going to put me off because I have a feeling the service won’t be reliable.
I am thrilled with this program, if it works. Last week I scheduled a 5:35 am pickup, only to get informed at 5:37 that no drivers were available. I closed the app and re-opened it, but I still could not get a vehicle. I ended up driving my car to the airport and leaving it in the parking lot for the week.