Uber introduces new features for passengers

Uncomfortable conversations with your Uber driver may soon be an issue of the past. Uber Technologies Inc. has announced several new features for Uber Black and Uber Black SUV riders Wednesday, including “Quiet Mode.”

“If you need to respond to emails or are in the mood for a nap, make your trip a quieter one with just one tap. If you’re in the mood to chat, that’s an option too,” Uber released on its website.

All riders need to do is select either “Quiet preferred” or “Happy to chat” in the ride preferences section of the mobile app after requesting a vehicle for pick-up.

However, to test the new feature, riders must select an Uber Black or Uber Black SUV premium ride. The feature is not yet available on Uber X and pool rides.

In addition to “Quiet Mode,” Uber is releasing a “Help with Luggage” feature to notify the driver in advance for assistance with luggage. This feature allows both the driver and the passenger to save time before reaching their next destination.

Riders can also now access their preferred temperature with “Temperature Control” and can request extra time to enter the vehicle with “Extended Pick-up Period.” The driver will now have to wait up to 15 minutes for the rider, instead of the average 1–5 minutes.

The “Premium Support” feature has also been added to the Uber experience to allow passengers access to “phone support with live agents” if they may need immediate assistance.

This announcement follows after years of app users always requesting Uber to give them a choice to opt out of talking to drivers.

“With these features and more to come, our riders can arrive relaxed and refreshed, wherever they’re headed,” said Uber senior product manager Aydin Ghajar.

Premium support has been available to 100% of US Uber Black and Uber Black SUV riders since May 15.