Uber seems to constantly be doing tests and trials in an effort to see what works best. The other week it was an app update that put drivers at a better advantage and this week they’re doing trials for a monthly subscription that would give you discounts on some Uber services and offer other services for free.
To be fair, Uber’s goal, as they continue to grow and offer more services, is to see what works best for them. So right now they’re looking at combining some services as part of a monthly fee.
According to TechCrunch, Uber is currently testing a monthly subscription pass that combines rides, Uber Eats, bikes and scooters. Because it’s still in the pilot phase, they’re testing a few different versions but each one includes a fixed discount on every ride, free Uber Eats delivery and free JUMP (bikes and scooters) rides. The pass costs $24.99 per month.
(Note: although TechCrunch talks about the pass in the present tense, I have friends in San Francisco and Chicago who say they don’t see the option on their respective Uber apps. So either (A) the pass isn’t actually available yet and/or (B) it’s a targeted offer)
Uber has offered a subscription for its ride-sharing service since October 2018, but this is the first time the company has included its other products in the model.
As noted by TechCrunch, by encompassing customers under its umbrella of services with a subscription, the company could potentially fend off rival ride-sharing companies such as Lyft, since the mindset is that riders would be less likely to spend their money on a competitor if they’re already paying for Ubers services via subscription.
Lyft currently offers e-bikes in San Francisco (they sound really cool – they have features like ‘pedal-assist’ that help riders climb hills). Whether it’s coincidence or purposeful, it’s duly noted that beside Chicago, Uber is also doing this pilot program, which, again, includes free JUMP bikes and scooters, is in San Francisco 😉
*** Many thanks to David P., Lisa H., Loren W & Lori W. for their assistance in this article
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
