Uber launch upgraded Comfort category for US riders

Users could face fare increases of 30% for extra legroom and pre heated vehicles

Ride-hailing firm Uber have announced a new ‘Comfort’ category, which allows its American riders an “upgrade to your everyday ride”. Uber Comfort gives its users the option of newer cars, extra legroom and also stipulates the temperature of the vehicle before it arrives. The rider can also mark the journey as a ‘quiet’ ride, whereby the driver won’t talk to his or her passengers.

Drivers need to maintain a rating of 4.85 or higher to be eligible for Uber Comfort.

The option is currently only available in 48 US cities and costs are unknown at this point.

However, a promotional image shows the Comfort service to be roughly 25-30% more expensive than its Uber X category. A standard Uber X journey was shown costing $23.97, whereas an Uber Comfort was listed as $31.16.

According to a statement written by Uber’s Aydin Ghajar, Senior Product Manager and Holley Beasley, Senior Operations Manager: “Whether you’re looking for a reliable way to make your flight, a big meeting on time, or an upscale ride for a special occasion, millions of people rely on Uber every day to get where they need to go. Today, we’re making it even easier for you to have all these experiences at your fingertips, with the nationwide launch of Uber Comfort – an upgrade to your everyday ride.”

Image: Uber