Tips for Securing Discounted Priority Uber Airport Pickups

Uber is aiming for a more sustainable future. During the GO-GET Zero event in London, which marked the company’s inaugural sustainability product showcase, several new features were announced to reduce ridesharing's environmental footprint, benefiting both riders and drivers. These include incentives for riders using hybrid or electric vehicles for airport pickups and dropoffs, enhanced navigation algorithms designed for eco-friendliness, a peer-to-peer carsharing option, and an in-app search filter for Uber Eats that highlights restaurants using sustainable packaging.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated, 'These minor adjustments can lead to significant changes: integrating sustainability into the fundamental user experience across our global platform, one ride and delivery at a time.' He emphasized that the goal is to make the greener option as simple as the less sustainable one.

This initiative is part of Uber’s ambitious goal to evolve into a zero-emission mobility platform across the United States, Canada, and Europe by 2030. The company previously announced plans to invest $800 million to help transition hundreds of thousands of current drivers to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025. The number of EV drivers has tripled in the last year, exceeding 60,000 in North America and Europe.

The new features introduced in London are designed to benefit both Uber users and the environment by seamlessly integrating greener options into the in-app experience. Here’s what users can look forward to.

Introducing Eco-Friendly Uber Features

Receive discounts and priority pickups for selecting electric and hybrid rides

Uber's new 'Green Curb' initiative at select airports offers reduced fares and access to preferred pickup areas when riders choose an Uber Green (hybrid or electric vehicle) or Uber Comfort Electric (top-rated drivers in vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, Mustang Mach-E, or Polestar). Initial locations include London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD), Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), and Portland International Airport (PDX), with plans to expand to more airports in the future.

While the 'Green Curb' initiative will vary by airport, significant savings shouldn’t be anticipated. However, even modest discounts might persuade some riders to transition to hybrid or electric vehicles. For example, at LHR, there will be a dedicated pickup area where riders can enjoy a 10 percent discount on the base fare when choosing Uber Green. At PHX, riders selecting Comfort Electric rides will benefit from a 40 percent discount on airport pickup and drop-off fees.

Peer-to-Peer Carsharing

Uber is also introducing a brand-new product line in North America and Europe: peer-to-peer carsharing. This model is similar to services like Turo, allowing customers to pick up and drive cars in their vicinity. Through the Uber app, users can explore available vehicles that they can reserve, unlock, and drive instantly.

In 2022, Uber acquired Car Next Door, an Australian carsharing service, which was subsequently rebranded as Uber Carshare. For the first time, this program will be available in North America and Europe, with Boston and Toronto as the launch cities. Uber will also continue to provide its Uber Rent service, enabling users to compare and book rental vehicles from major companies like Hertz and Avis.

Sustainable Navigation and Deliveries

From a technological standpoint, Uber is adjusting its navigation algorithms to minimize emissions by enhancing ride efficiency. The new approach not only considers distance as before but also incorporates elevation changes and the frequency of stops and starts. According to a company spokesperson, this is a proprietary tool that utilizes its own GPS data.

For Uber Eats pickups and deliveries, Uber is making it easier for users to locate and choose restaurants that utilize sustainable packaging within the app. This feature is launching in cities such as New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Taipei. Uber aims to completely eradicate plastic waste from all deliveries by 2030.

Uber’s Vision for a Greener Future

This is just the beginning, but Uber executives are committed to their green initiatives, with CEO Khosrowshahi stating that sustainability is the company's 'north star.' Recently, Uber joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to adopt best practices in emissions accounting, goal setting, and transparency. Soon, Uber will offer riders insights into the carbon footprint of their trips by showing the total emissions saved with eco-friendly ride choices. Along with the features mentioned earlier—and plans for better public transit integration—Uber is embracing a cultural shift to contribute positively to a climate-changed world.