Uber Tests Shared Rides in Africa While UberPool Remains Suspended

Uber Introduces 'Pool Chance' for Cost-Sharing Rides in Africa

Uber is currently evaluating a new ride option, Pool Chance, in Kenya. This feature allows passengers traveling in similar directions to share the expense of their journeys. The company intends to extend this lower-cost service to Ghana and Nigeria in the near future.

Initial Testing and Expansion Plans

TechCrunch initially identified the feature while making a booking in Nairobi, Kenya. An Uber representative subsequently verified that it is part of a pilot program, with wider implementation contingent upon the results of this initial testing phase.

This marks the first introduction of this type of service within the African market. It bears resemblance to the UberPool service, which was initially launched in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2014 and subsequently expanded to numerous cities globally.

How Pool Chance Differs from UberPool

While UberPool remains suspended in several areas, including the U.S. and Canada, due to ongoing COVID-19 related restrictions, Uber is actively reintroducing and launching it in new locations. The company acknowledges a conceptual similarity between the two services, but refrained from providing specific details regarding their differences.

According to discussions within an Uber drivers’ forum, Pool Chance offers riders a possibility of a discounted fare if additional passengers are picked up along the route. If no additional riders join, the standard fare for an individual ride applies. In contrast, UberPool establishes a fixed carpool rate for riders, irrespective of the number of passengers.

Availability Across African Cities

The Pool Chance option is currently available on the Chap Chap budget service in Nairobi. In Lagos, Nigeria, and Accra, Ghana, it will be accessible through the UberX category.

Lorraine Ondoru, Uber’s head of communications for East and West Africa, explained to TechCrunch that this trial period allows Uber to carefully assess the impact on the marketplace and ensure a healthy balance. Further details will be released upon the official launch.

Global Rollout and Cost Savings

Uber launched Pool Chance in Auckland, New Zealand in April, following an initial introduction in Kyiv, Ukraine in October of the previous year. The service was also reinstated in Sydney and Perth, Australia, earlier this year, and subsequently launched in Adelaide.

Uber states that Pool Chance has the potential to reduce ride costs by as much as 30%, enhancing affordability for riders.

In a message directed to drivers in the three African countries, Uber highlighted the potential benefits, stating that affordable shared rides could lead to increased app usage, more trips, reduced downtime, and ultimately, higher earnings.

Uber's Expanding Presence in Africa

Uber currently operates in eight African markets, including Egypt, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, and Morocco.

Over recent months, the company has been actively expanding its services and introducing new products as part of a broader strategy to retain existing customers and attract new ones, amidst increasing competition from rivals such as Bolt.

Recent Expansions and New Features

Earlier this month, Uber extended its services to Ibadan and Port Harcourt in Nigeria, adding to its existing presence in three other Nigerian cities.

In South Africa, Uber broadened its reach by adding nine new cities and introduced Uber Comfort, a premium service complementing UberX, UberBlack, and the budget-friendly UberGo. Additionally, a feature enabling trip bookings up to a month in advance was implemented in August.

The Future of Ride-Sharing and Public Transportation

Uber’s initiative to introduce fare-splitting services across Africa aligns with its recent report, which suggests that “ride-sharing will likely play an increasingly important role within the public transportation mix in the next 3-5 years.”

While bus and rail transportation will remain central to public transit due to their capacity for handling large volumes of passengers, they will be supplemented by microtransit, ride-sharing, and micromobility options.

Uber believes that the integration of variable-cost modes like ride-sharing and the growth of on-demand services will unlock new efficiencies and lower costs for public transportation agencies.

Uber's Commitment to Public Transit Integration

This will contribute to improving the equity, accessibility, resilience, and flexibility of transportation networks. Through Uber Transit and Routematch, Uber is providing tools to help agencies operate more efficiently and support their riders.

Since the inception of Uber Transit in 2015, the company has implemented services globally to streamline public transportation. This includes launching an in-app service in Denver for journey planning and ticket purchases, and partnering with Marin Transit in California to provide software for public transportation management.

In September of last year, Uber launched “Uber and Transit” in select markets, an in-app feature that allows riders to seamlessly combine ride-hailing with other public transportation methods like trains and buses.