Uber takes on public transit with new fixed-route shuttle service
Uber has launched Uber Route Share, a new shuttle service operating like a modern bus system in seven major U.S. cities. The service offers fixed routes, scheduled stops, and lower fares than UberX, positioning itself as a competitor to both personal cars and public transit.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the goal is to provide “more affordable, more predictable” rides while reducing congestion and emissions. Sachin Kansal, Uber’s chief product officer, explained that Route Share targets commuters traveling similar paths at similar times. A sample 3-mile New York City trip costs $13—cheaper than standard Uber rides, which have risen 7.2% in the past year.
However, urban planners and environmental experts question whether Uber’s move will truly benefit cities. While the company touts efficiency, critics warn it could further strain struggling public transit systems. “This isn’t innovation—it’s privatization,” said one transit advocate. Others worry about long-term impacts on traffic and air quality if riders abandon buses for Uber’s shuttles.
Route Share is now available in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Miami, and Phoenix, with potential expansion pending demand. Uber insists the service complements, rather than replaces, public transit, but its long-term effects remain uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Uber Route Share?
Uber Route Share is a new service from Uber that operates like a private shuttle or bus. It allows multiple passengers to book a seat on a vehicle that travels along a pre-determined, fixed route with fixed stops and for a fixed price. It is designed to be a cheaper alternative to a standard Uber ride for daily commutes.
2. How is Route Share different from a regular Uber or a city bus?
- vs. UberX: Route Share is cheaper but less flexible. You cannot choose your exact pickup/drop-off location or time; you must use the designated stops on the fixed route.
- vs. City Bus: Route Share is more expensive but can be booked on-demand through the Uber app and may offer a more comfortable ride. However, it serves far fewer routes than a city’s public transit network.
3. What are the main arguments against Uber Route Share?
Critics raise three primary concerns:
- Environmental: It may increase overall carbon emissions due to “deadheading” and by pulling people away from greener options like subways and walking.
- Impact on Public Transit: It could harm financially struggling public bus and train systems by taking away their riders on the most profitable routes, without the public accountability to serve the entire community.
- Congestion: Instead of reducing traffic, it may add more vehicles to already crowded city streets.
4. In which cities is Uber Route Share available?
The service was initially rolled out at the end of May in seven U.S. cities: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Baltimore.
5. Does Uber Route Share actually save time and money?
It depends on the context. In the New York City example provided, the $13 Route Share ride was slower and significantly more expensive than the $2.90 subway ride covering the same distance. While it is cheaper than a private Uber, it is often not the most economical or efficient option when a robust public transportation network is available.
6. What is “deadheading” in ride-sharing?
“Deadheading” refers to the distance a ride-share driver travels without a passenger in the vehicle. This includes driving to pick up a rider or repositioning after dropping one off. It is a major reason why ride-hailing can have a larger carbon footprint than personal car use, as it adds extra miles to the road for every paid trip.