Uber Transit is Uber’s service that integrates local public transportation into the ride-share app. This ride option is an attempt to make the use of public transport easy and more accessible to the general public.
About Uber Transit
Uber leverages its existing technology to offer real-time data on local transit services across your city, including:
- Bus/ subway/ metro/ ferry schedules and fares
- Transit zones
- Directions to the nearest transit stop
- Departure times
- Details of the fastest and cheapest routes
Moreover, all this service data is available free of cost on Uber’s mobile application for you to make the best possible journey choices within the city.
How to use the service?
Uber Transit is somewhat different from Uber’s regular ride-share options. Instead of sending a vehicle to your location, the Transit option in your Uber application enables you to make information-backed choices to complete your journey.
- Open your Uber mobile application.
- Select the “Ride” option and enter your destination location in the “Where to?” field.
- Confirm your pickup and destination addresses and proceed with selecting the ride option.
- Swipe up to find the “Public transport” or “Transit” option in the vehicle options. You can customize your route preferences by changing the route and transit types.
Now, you will notice that the app has provided you with details of the routes, public transport types, and fares. The app also offers you multiple itineraries with journey fares to your keyed-in destination. You can choose any of the recommended routes to begin your journey by simply tapping “Go.” There will be an “End trip” button which you can tap upon reaching your destination.
What route types are available in route preferences?
When you are accessing service information on the app, you can change route preferences to accommodate your personal needs. Available route types include:
- Ones that involve the least walking
- Fewest transit changes
- Fastest route
- The recommended route
You can select any as per your requirement, however, the recommended route type is typically the best route considering time, walking distance, and changes.
How much does it cost to use Uber Transit?
Uber Transit comes as a built-in app feature and thus, you will not be charged any additional fee to use it.
This offering is essentially an aggregate of information pertaining to local public transport services. Unlike Uber’s ride-share alternatives, Uber will not summon a vehicle at your pickup location but provide you with the most accurate information to make it to your destination.
Also, in some markets, this feature enables the users to buy tickets and passes via the Uber application directly.
Is this service beneficial?
Uber has not launched its own bus or train services. Rather the ride-share giant has found a way to integrate the services of existing public transport agencies onto an application that tens of thousands of users already know how to navigate.
The offering was launched to encourage people to make a shift to local transport facilities instead of using personal vehicles. This not only empowers the general public to make smarter travel choices but also helps build more sustainable and green communities.