Uber has a treat for socially-awkward riders who hate small talks. Are you in the mood for a nap? Do you need to attend to your emails or answer a phone call during your ride? Whatever your personal reason is, Uber’s new feature called “Quiet Mode” will speak for you.
What’s New for Uber?
Shutterstock | Driver patiently waits passenger to get in the car.
The world’s leading ride-sharing app introduced the latest preference settings for riders who would rather have a silent trip. After requesting a car, riders now have the choice to select either “quiet preferred” or “happy to chat” in the ride preferences section of the app. They can also leave it as “no preference”.
Aside from Quiet Mode, the ride service also has an additional feature called Help with Luggage to let your driver know that you may need a helping hand on your bags.
The app users also now have the power to communicate their preferred temperature for the heating or air-conditioning inside the vehicle to the driver.
If you will be in need of extra time before getting into the car but don’t want to incur late pick-up fees, Uber can now provide 15 minutes waiting time instead of the regular 1-5 minutes allotted time.
Premium Support was also added to the app’s latest features which allow passengers to have access to phone support with live customer service representatives when they need immediate assistance.
Daily Herald | The ride service also has an additional feature called Help with Luggage
Personal Perks and Benefits
Some may say these requests could easily be dealt with by speaking to your driver. However, for many of us who are uncomfortable talking to strangers, this is actually a big relief. Why waste your effort speaking when technology can speak for you, right?
The newly added features also help women to feel safer when riding. They no longer have to fear unnecessary small talk that sometimes turns into an unwanted flirtation with male drivers. People who dislike randomly sharing private information asked by drivers as part of their rapport will not have to worry anymore, too.
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?
However, the new features are only available for Uber Black or Uber Black SUV premium ride. They are not being offered on Uber X and pool rides yet. Uber explains that they implemented the changes in order to provide the best experience for passengers. That’s why they improved features and requirements so that they can meet or even exceed the rider’s expectations.
Uber Black and Uber SUV are the company’s high-end services. Fares are two times more expensive compared to Uber X and three times more than Uber Pool. Uber black drivers must maintain a certain minimum rating to keep driving for the service. They must have commercial registration and insurance too.
Pexels | The newly added features also help women to feel safer when riding
Aydin Ghajar, the ride-hailing giant’s product manager said the feature is there so drivers would know the passenger’s preferences although it is not mandatory not to converse. The driver is still an independent contractor.
After its losses on a weak IPO last week, Ghajar believes that the new feature will encourage riders on upgrading to premium services to enjoy a more convenient and comfortable ride. After all, the improvements they made are simply based on popular demand.
