Uber is launching a new feature Thursday in Philadelphia that expands on its current "Pool" feature, matching ride-seekers in similar locations and having them meet in a certain location.
The new feature, called Express Pool, is expected to cut the cost even further, the company said in a release.
Uber Pool, launched in 2014, cut costs for riders by allowing them to share a driver.
Here's how it'll work:
- After requesting an Express Pool, the app will ask riders to wait a few minutes to be matched with up to three other passengers in their area.
- Each passenger will then walk a short distance to a mutual pick-up site.
- The riders will be dropped off in one location within a few blocks of each of their destinations.
The company said it hopes this will lead to better ride-sharing matches and more direct routes.
Express Pool has already been piloting in San Francisco and Boston, and becomes available in other major cities across the country throughout the week.
