On March 1, Uber announced the launch of the Uber Explore tab for fourteen U.S. cities, including Dallas. Using this new feature on the app, customers can browse local events and activities, purchase tickets, and book dinner reservations. Categories offered include nightlife, music and shows, art and culture, and food and drink.
Once a destination is selected, directions, photos, and reviews will pop up to provide the details. According to TechCrunch, Uber partnered with Yelp to populate this information, offer recommendations, and book dinner reservations.
The expansion to Uber’s functionality includes a “Ride There Now” feature for one-click rides. After choosing a destination from the categories, users click this option to book a ride directly to the location. Uber partnered with PredictHQ, a demand intelligence platform based in New Zealand, to integrate the option.
Uber Explore also makes individualized recommendations for each user, automatically generating a list of suggested experiences, activities, and restaurants based on the customer’s past interests and purchases.
When customers are ready to purchase tickets for events and experiences, a direct click with the Uber Wallet & Payment profile seals the deal.
To kick off the feature’s introduction, Uber customers will receive 15% (up to $10) off rides to top restaurants and bars located on the Explore tab. After that, special offers will be available periodically, with deals offered based on destination popularity.
So far, the new Explore feature has launched in fourteen U.S. cities: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Memphis, Minneapolis – St. Paul, New Orleans, New Jersey, Orlando, and Upstate New York. It is also available in Mexico City.
Uber plans to expand the Explore option to more cities in the near future, adding further experiences and event opportunities.
Product Lead Adib Roumani stated, “We’ve built Uber Explore to take our customers beyond the ride. People have always come to the Uber app for the point A to point B piece of the journey – so we’re thrilled to expand and help inspire the destination, too.”
He explained, “Through a variety of personalized offers and experiences, customers will be able to see trending locations near them and also browse for activities and events in their area. Whether you’re looking to expand your horizons at home or you’re traveling in a new city, Uber Explore puts the best of cities at your fingertips.”
The launch of Explore is intended to build revenue and keep the company’s customer flow consistent. A spokesperson for Uber, Conor Ferguson, said Uber hopes it will also increase tips for its drivers. The special discounts offered by Uber will not affect their employees’ pay.
According to CNBC, Uber adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding Drizly for alcohol delivery and Postmates for food and grocery delivery.
During the pandemic, Uber Eats has outperformed the original ride-hailing Uber. Its delivery services made $2.42 billion last year, while ride-requesting brought in $2.28 billion.
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said, “Post-Covid, we’re an all-weather company and think we can succeed and grow really in every environment.” Khosrowshahi believes 2022 will be the year the company’s success reaches an all-time high.