Ride-hailing startup Uber wants to throw you a bone and make it easier to get picked up by your driver, so it’s experimenting with suggesting pick-up points.
The new feature appears to still be an experiment that only some users can see, as TechCrunch reported. When a rider drags the location pin around the map, it suggests green spots with a clear message that getting picked up there will save time and provides the exact address. The feature currently works for its UberPool, UberX, and UberBlack services.
The usefulness of the feature is pretty clear. With one-way streets, complicated roads around sports or music venues, and other messy pick-up locations, the suggested pick-up spots can help both the driver and the rider save time and streamline the experience. However, it doesn’t seem to take into account the rider’s destination, which could be even more helpful by factoring in street directions and such.
The feature is reminiscent of Lyft’s HotSpots program for its carpooling service, which lets riders request to be picked up at one of the designated HotSpots for a cheaper fare and, presumably, a more streamlined route for the carpooling driver. Uber’s feature, however, isn’t related to fare discounts.
Nevertheless, it’s on more product of the mapping and routing technology Uber (and rival ride-hailing startups) has been investing in.