Uber has announced the nationwide rollout of its UberX Share ride-sharing service across major UK cities, excluding London, by the end of June. The service allows passengers travelling in the same direction to share rides, offering up to 20% savings on fares while aiming to reduce road congestion and emissions.
This development marks a significant step in making urban travel more affordable and environmentally sustainable. The expansion follows a successful trial in Bristol and reflects Uber’s broader commitment to easing traffic pressures in urban areas through shared transport options.
Expanding Affordable and Sustainable Travel Options Beyond London
According to Uber, UberX Share enables passengers to split journeys with others heading the same way, cutting costs and vehicle numbers on the roads. The company emphasises that shared trips add no more than eight minutes on average to travel time.
Users book their rides via the app, selecting from nearby pickup points serviced every 20 minutes, and meet drivers at designated city corners to keep trips efficient.
Uber’s UK general manager, Andrew Brem, described the service as a “game-changer for affordable, sustainable travel in the UK.” He highlighted how the service benefits riders by reducing costs while simultaneously addressing urban congestion and carbon emissions.
Brem added, “This service not only helps riders save money, but also reduces the number of vehicles on the road, cutting emissions and helping ease congestion in our towns and cities,” according to company statements.
The service is set to launch in all major UK locations served by Uber, except London. The capital’s rollout will be delayed due to differing local regulations. This is notable given London’s previous experience with a similar service called UberPool, which was suspended in March 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Background and Operational Details of UberX Share
Uber first introduced a version of ride-sharing with UberPool in 2014 across various cities, including London, Paris, and North America. The suspension of these services during the pandemic has created renewed interest in shared travel options as cities seek to reduce traffic and emissions while making rides more affordable.
The current iteration, UberX Share, is designed with predictability and efficiency in mind. Passengers can share rides with up to two co-riders, and the routes minimise detours to maintain consistent journey times.
The company’s website outlines the process: after entering pickup and drop-off locations, users see nearby scheduled routes and proceed to a pickup point where drivers wait briefly to keep to the timetable.
The Bristol trial since November 2024 reportedly received positive feedback from commuters and leisure travellers, supporting the decision to expand the service nationwide. Uber stresses that increasing ride-sharing uptake is part of its broader strategy to support sustainable urban mobility.
This expansion highlights how ride-hailing firms are adapting their models post-pandemic to balance affordability, efficiency, and environmental concerns. The UK’s major cities, excluding London for now, will soon have access to a service that aims to meet these challenges through shared rides.
