Uber has launched a new taxi service that allows passengers to travel with their pets.
Previously, allowing animals into vehicles was always at the discretion of the driver but, in a first for the taxi app, passengers will now be able to book journeys with drivers who are eligible and willing to transport people with their pets.
Fares for the new Uber Pet journeys will come with a surcharge of £2 (£3.20 in London).
Passengers travelling with a service animal can continue to use the regular Uber option.
Andrew Brem, general manager at Uber UK, said on the launch of Uber Pet: “We’re really happy to be launching Uber Pet in the UK, bringing even more convenient travel options to our riders.
“With Covid-19 restrictions lifted, it’s the perfect time for new pets to get out and about again with you, no matter what your plans.”
The company will also be donating £1 from every Uber Pet fare to the charity All Dogs Matter, which helps to re-home unwanted and abandoned dogs in London.
This comes after the launch of Uber’s Local Cab, a service that gives passengers across Greater Manchester the option to book a taxi with a local operator.
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The arrival of the Local Cab scheme follows a series of successful launches in other towns and cities across the UK, including Edinburgh and Peterborough.
Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “Manchester will be among the first cities in England where riders can access both UberX and Local Cab in the same app.
“This will help maximise earnings opportunities for drivers while giving passengers in Manchester more choice, meaning that everyone will benefit. We’re looking forward to launching Local Cab in more UK towns and cities soon.”
Both the Uber Pet and Local Cab services are available to use across Greater Manchester now.