Uber Suspends Ride Pooling

In an effort to help slow the spread of coronavirus, Uber Technologies Inc. said it is suspending pooled rides in the U.S. and Canada. The pooled option allowed riders to save money by splitting a ride with up to three other separate customers, and the option is now disabled on Uber’s app. Also on the app, U.S. and Canadian users are seeing a message reminding them to consider if their booking is essential and to travel only when necessary, according to Reuters.

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.

According to Uber, pooled rides make up only a small share of bookings.

As of now, regular rides and the company’s food delivery platform Uber Eats are still available, but Reuters reports Uber is in contact with local authorities to adjust operations as needed.

Uber competitor Lyft Inc. hasn’t yet responded to Autoweek’s request for comment on its pooled rides policy.

An Uber spokesman told Reuters the company is looking at similar steps outside the U.S. and Canada.

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