Uber has announced the launch of a new suite of travel features and an expanded national footprint, set to potentially benefit 6.7 million tourists and locals with safe and affordable rides in line with its global ambition to be the go to app for every travel need.
Expanding to several new tourism hotspots, launching dedicated airport pick up zones, scaling Uber Intercity rides and introducing a new Uber Rent offering – Uber is focused on making travel easy this winter with access to safe and affordable rides at the touch of a button.
For those holidaying locally this winter
For Aussies planning to explore their own backyard, Uber is launching services in several new regional cities and towns from the Whitsundays to Wodonga while relaunching an improved service in six locations. This brings Uber’s presence to a total of 50 Australian cities and towns across the country by the end of August.
Whether for visitors taking in the local sights or locals attending community events – Uber provides a safe and convenient way to get around and gives local drivers the chance to earn extra cash along the way.
From July until the end of August, Uber is launching services in 7 new regional locations, consisting of popular tourism hubs and densely populated towns. Newly launched services include Whitsundays, Wodonga, Mildura, Campaspe, Central Highlands, East Gippsland and Latrobe.
Uber is also relaunching an improved service in 6 locations including Murray River, Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and Albury.
Responding to demand for convenient and affordable transport and where demand for trips are high, Uber’s services aim to both boost local tourism and complement existing transport options. Great for travellers and locals alike who want to sign up to earn extra money here and there.
For a seamless airport departure
Travellers looking to transit with ease from the airport to their next destination can take advantage of Uber’s recent launch installation of dedicated airport pickup experiences across the country. In partnership with airports across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Darwin, Hobart, and Cairns, Uber’s intuitive technology and dedicated pick up areas have significantly reduced wait times to deliver a smoother and safer experience for riders and drivers. At Sydney Airport, this has reduced traffic by 36% since launching earlier this year.
Since the start of the year Uber has launched a number of elevated pickup experiences at airports across Australia, including Sydney, Gold Coast, Hobart, Cairns and Darwin. Consumers are increasingly opting for Uber for their ride from the airport to their destination, with rideshare accounting for nearly 48% of all pickups at Sydney airport alone.
For long distance trips
To streamline long distance travel, Uber Intercity offers a new ride option on select routes including from Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney with plans to scale in coming months. Forgoing the need for multiple stops and vehicle changes, Uber Intercity connects you with top-rated drivers for a private trip in a vehicle of your choice. With flexible booking options, travellers can reserve a ride up to 90 days in advance or book on the go, and can split costs with friends and family picked up along the way.
Features:
- Private trip with experienced drivers: Only top-rated drivers (>4.9 stars) can complete these trips so that you have the best experience possible.
- Choose the right vehicle for you: From fully electric cars, to large minivans, you can enjoy a comfortable vehicle for long distance rides.
- Flexible booking options: Reserve up 90 days in advance or book on the go. No timetables or schedules.
- Split the costs and share the ride: Pick up friends and family along the way and split the cost. Click on “Where to?” then tap “+” next to the destination box to add stops at any point before your ride begins.
For road trips
For travellers with sights on a weekend getaway, Uber Rent is a new and simple way to reserve a vehicle at your closest hub or airport, and drop off the car at your destination. Powered by third party partner, Car Trawler, customers can reserve a car from close to 30 rental partners including Avis, Hertz and more in over 1700+ locations across Australia. You can find any vehicle to suit your trip – from high end EVs to practical everyday cars.
Available from August in over 1700+ locations across Australia
Features:
- Uber Rent is the new seamless way to reserve a vehicle to take a weekend getaway and drop off the car at your destination.
- Allows users to rent a car directly in the Uber app at the tap of a button, powered by third party partner, Car Trawler.
- The perfect rental for your trip. With hundreds of rental cars available to reserve from almost 30 partners in over 1700+ locations across Australia, from high end EVs to practical everyday cars, you can find any vehicle to suit your trip.
How it works:
- Open your Uber app and tap the “Rental Cars” icon.
- Enter the address that your rental car pickup/dropoff will be near and the times and dates that your reservation will start and end.
- Browse vehicles and compare prices. You will not be charged when you complete to make your reservation. Payment will be processed at the rental location when you go to pick up your vehicle.You can pay in advance to save money or pay at the rental location.
- Go to the rental location with your driver’s license and credit card at the time referenced in your reservation in the Uber app.
- When your reservation is over, return your vehicle to the location indicated in the reservation.
For travel money deals
Uber has partnered with leading global foreign exchange brand, Travelex, offering exclusive discounts on both rides and travel funds this winter. Customers purchasing travel money from a Travelex bureau in July will be eligible for 50% off their first ride (up to $50) if they are a new Uber rider, or 25% discount on their next Uber ride (up to $25) if they are an existing rider.
