Uber to launch new carpooling service

Uber is launching a new ride-sharing service in London that might save commuters a few quid.

The company, which allows passengers to book a taxi or private car through its, is launching uberPOOL on Friday afternoon.

The new feature will link passengers heading in the same direction, allowing them to share an Uber and save around 25% on a similar uberX fare.

Riders will only pay for their portion of the journey and will be charged separtly to their co-rider.

Those sharing a ride may have to go a few minutes out of their way to get picked up or dropped off, but Uber said the systems is designed to ensure passengers are taken on an efficient and economical route.

It also noted that regardless of the route taken, the app will always only charge the price quoted in the app.

At this stage, the service is only available for pickups in central London and at Heathrow Airport and there are limitations on the number of passengers.

Only two people can be picked up at a time, so users will only be able to travel with one other friend.

The system also limits the total number of riders in the car to three, which will prevent someone having to sit in the awkward middle seat.

The company claims the new service could “materially reduce the cost for riders, help cut mileage and emissions and – as the cost of convenient, reliable, on-demand transport comes down – ultimately take cars off the road by making the need to own your own car a thing of the past”.

It also noted that just like other Uber drivers, they are all fully insured and licensed by Transport for London.

London’s black cabs have been fighting against the service as well as other taxi apps which have cropped up in the last year.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association sought to have the app banned, saying it acts as a metered pay system which is not allowed for private hire vehicles.