Photo: Lutsenko_Oleksandr/Shutterstock

You Can Now Rent a Car Through the Uber App

Technology + Gear News
by Olivia Harden Apr 29, 2021

As the weather gets warmer and more Americans are getting vaccinated, it’s understandable that some people can’t help but have travel plans on their minds. Uber is stepping up with new features to make the transition back to travel as smooth as possible.

With many parts of the US in the middle of a rental car shortage, Uber is promoting Uber Rent, which allows Uber users to rent a car right from their phone. The new and improved feature is a partnership with major rental car companies like Avis, Hertz, and “dozens more,” according to a press release. Uber is also adding a valet service that lets you sign up to have the rental car delivered right to your doorstep, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of picking it up from the lot. The program will roll out in DC in May and will be available nationwide “soon after.”

screenshots of ubers new rental car program, uber rent

Photo: Uber

That’s not the only new addition Uber is making. The service now offers a “Tap a Button, Get a Vaccine” service in partnership with Walgreens. Users will be able to schedule a vaccine appointment and an Uber ride to get there in just one click. Uber will also offer up to 10 million free or discounted rides to vaccination sites, and the company partnered with the National Urban League to educate people who may still have hesitations about getting the vaccine.

“Transportation should never be a barrier to health care,” Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO, said in a press release. “We look forward to building on this exciting new partnership with Walgreens, harnessing the power of the Uber platform to help connect more people with vaccines, as we all work together to help end this pandemic.”

Other new features include what’s called Uber Pick Up so customers can order Uber Eats and pick it up on the way to their destination. There’s also a new way to preorder goods from select merchants before they open, and multi-order, which allows customers to order from two places at the same time without an added delivery fee. Lastly, Uber is instituting a saving hub to “highlight every eligible offer, deal, and discount available to you.”

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