Coronavirus: Uber suspends pooled rides in these countries to limit virus spread

Uber Technologies Inc on Tuesday began suspending shared rides on its ride-hailing platform in the United States and Canada to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

File photo (AP)
File photo

The pooled option, which allows riders to book trips at lower prices by sharing the car with up to three other passengers travelling in the same direction, has been disabled for users opening the apps in the two countries.

"Our goal is to help flatten the curve on community spread in the cities we serve," senior vice president Uber Rides and Platform Andrew Macdonald said in a statement.

Also Read : Coronavirus: Uber, Lyft nosedive as more people stay at home amid virus fears

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Mahindra Ekuv100 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 8.25 - 10 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details
Mahindra S204 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 12 Lakhs *Expected Price
View Details
Rolls-royce New Ghost (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 6.95 - 7.95 Cr* *Expected Price
View Details
Ferrari Purosanguesuv (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 3 - 3.35 Cr* *Expected Price
View Details
Tata Safari 2023 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 16 - 24 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details
Mg 4 Ev (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 30 - 32 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details

A spokesman said similar steps outside the U.S. and Canada would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Regular rides and the company's food delivery platform Uber Eats remain available, but Uber said it was in contact with local authorities to adjust operations as needed.

North America provides the bulk of Uber's revenue, but pooled rides make up only a small share of all bookings, data by U.S. cities showed.

Lyft Inc, Uber's smaller North American competitor, on Monday did not respond to a request for comment on its shared rides policy.

Also Read : Coronavirus: Uber may suspend accounts of riders, drivers who test positive

The respiratory virus has spread quickly throughout the United States, killing at least 83 people as of Monday and infecting more than 4,600 Americans.

The White House on Monday urged people to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and called for closing bars, restaurants and other venues in states where local virus transmission exists. Some state and local authorities independently imposed mandatory restrictions on those places.

Beginning on Tuesday, Uber users in the U.S. and Canada will also see a message reminding them to consider if the ride they plan to book is essential and to "travel only when necessary," images provided by Uber showed.

Riders are also being asked to consider the safety of their drivers by washing their hands before and after a ride, sitting in the back seat and rolling down the window to improve ventilation.

Uber has previously said it will compensate drivers and delivery people diagnosed with coronavirus or placed in quarantine by health officials for up to 14 days.

First Published Date: 17 Mar 2020, 18:17 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Shopping Bag Shop Now
70% OFF
VENO Portable High Power 2 in 1 Car Vacuum Cleaner | USB Rechargeable Wireless Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner Traveling, Camping Reusable and Sustainable (2 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner)
Rs. 899 Rs. 2,999
4% OFF
Godrej aer O – Hanging Car Air Freshener | Car Accessories | Cool Aqua (7.5g)
Rs. 95 Rs. 99
65% OFF
Ambrane 38W Fast Car Charger with Dual Output, Quick Charge 3.0 and Power Delivery, Type-C & USB Port, Wide Compatibility for Smart Phones (RAAP C38 A, Black)
Rs. 349 Rs. 999
68% OFF
PUNZONE Car Body Scratch Remover - Scratch Repair Polishing Wax Kit Sponge Body Compound Cream Wax, Car Body Compound Scratch Remover
Rs. 289 Rs. 898

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.