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Uber Technology

Uber launches Scheduled Rides feature in Europe, selects London as first city for roll out

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By Katie Deighton, Senior Reporter

August 25, 2016 | 2 min read

After six years of pioneering near-instant mobile transport requests, Uber is giving its app users the chance to book a ride up to 30 days in advance of travel.

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Uber launches Scheduled Rides feature

The Scheduled Rides feature launches at 4pm today (25 August) for those in London with an Uber for Business account or a Business Profile. It was originally trialled in the US in a soft 'early access' launch.

The function will then be ‘steadily’ rolled out to all users in London over the next fortnight. Travellers will be able to schedule a lift from 15 minutes up until one month in advance.

For now, Uber has not revealed any further timelines for a wider UK or European roll out.

Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber in London, explained riders – and in particular business customers – have been asking for a scheduling feature specifically. He said: “Londoners love being able to tap a button on their phone and a book a car that arrives in just a few minutes. But we know there are times when you just want Uber to take care of it.

“Whether it’s having a car ready at the end of a meeting or to take you to the airport, scheduling your Uber in advance means there’s one less thing to worry about.”

The news will no doubt be another dagger to the heart for Uber’s rivals – in particular minicab firms – who have historically highlighted the ability to book a taxi in advance as a point of difference.

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