The difference between UberX, Uber Pool, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black cars
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Are you new to ridesharing? If so, some of the terminology used on the Uber app can be a bit confusing. We’ve created this guide to help you understand the app and the different types of services Uber offers for drivers. You’ll see terms like UberX, Uber Comfort and Uber Select for example. What is the difference between Uber and UberX, you might wonder?
Actually, there is no difference between UberX and Uber – UberX is simply a basic level of service that Uber offers.
Uber offers a variety of service level options. They range from cheaper, economy rides to pricier luxury rides. These levels of service have various names, such as Uber Pool, UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black to name a few.
If this is still confusing you, don’t worry, we’ll break this down.
Additionally, some Uber options designate rides that will be shared (Uber Pool), while others indicate accessibility for wheelchairs (WAV). UberX + Car Seat offers a family-friendly option.
Note: Before you get started with Uber, make sure to use a mileage tracker app to manage your expenses and track your Uber mileage to help when tax season comes around. Hurdlr was built with this purpose in mind. Not only does it auto-track mileage and expenses, but it also offers real-time views of earnings and potential tax deductions.
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Uber’s 4 Basic Levels of Service
We understand that all of this can be a little overwhelming in the beginning, but what’s important to know is that Uber has four basic levels of service: Economy, Premium, Accessibility, and Carpool. Before signing on the app and choosing a ride, understanding these options will make your ride choices a lot easier.
1. Economy
Want a private ride for the least amount of money? This is your option.
While the Uber website describes their economy rides as “affordable, everyday rides for up to four people,” this is a little misleading. Economy options include UberX and Uber Comfort, you can get a ride for up to six people.
2. Premium
Premium rides are Uber’s higher-end luxury ridesharing options. These rides will cost a little extra, sometimes twice as much or more than UberX. The driver will pick you up in a luxury car such as a BMW, Mercedes, or high-end SUV. Options include Uber BLACK and Uber Comfort
3. Accessibility
Accessibility options are for people with wheelchairs and families who need car seats for child riders. Services include Uber WAV, and UberX + Car Seat. These options will also cost a little more than a standard UberX ride.
4. Carpool
Uber Pool rides are shared rides with other people who are headed in the same direction. This is the cheapest, but slowest option.
As with using a shuttle to go to the airport, you will have to wait while the driver picks up and drops off other passengers on the way to your destination. It is also not always available when you might need it.
How Uber options differ in each Uber city
Each Uber city (or metropolitan coverage area) offers different services. Very large cities such as Los Angeles might offer almost all the options. Many offer their own unique combination of ride types with different names. Check with Uber to see what services you qualify for in your city.
Uber’s options vary in each city in part due to the general demographics and market service. High-end luxury ridesharing services are typically in higher demand in cities with large populations.
You don’t need to remember all of the various option names to use Uber. When you book your ride in the app, you will be shown available options in your city. Services that are unavailable entirely in your city won’t be shown at all. Services in the app that are greyed out indicate that a driver with that type of car is not available at that time. Generally, UberX will always have some available drivers nearby.
A look at 4 of Uber’s most popular services
Since each metropolitan area that Uber covers offers its own unique Uber services, we will only touch on four of the most commonly used Uber services here. Uber lists the types of services and cars it offers for each metropolitan area in its city pages.
1. UberX
Most people use UberX as their go-to service. This is Uber’s economy option, which includes travel in a four-door sedan for one to four riders.
2. Uber Pool
Uber Pool is a carpool service that matches riders with other riders going in the same direction. This is an affordable option for those looking to save money and it also helps the environment with one less car on the road.
3. Uber Comfort
What is Uber Comfort? Uber Comfort can be a bit confusing because, as mentioned above, it is listed on Uber’s website as an “economy” service, but in the Uber app, it is also a “premium” service. This service is basically a step up from UberX. This feature includes cars with more seating room such as an XL, better rated drivers, and faster pick up times.
4. Uber Black
Uber Black is “The original Uber” – what Uber first offered when it launched. Why is it called Black? Because the high-end cars that are used are typically all black. This is to offer a professional, classy service for executives and others who want a first class service.
The Uber Black car vs. a basic UberX car provides that extra level of distinction that may be just what is needed for an important business meeting, event, or date night.
The other main difference between UberX and Uber Black is not just the cars but the drivers. With Uber Black, you get professional drivers such as a former limousine or Transportation Service Provider.
For most rides, using UberX is your best option
For the average rider who does not need extra accessibility options or a high-end car, UberX is your best everyday ridesharing option. If you need more room for more people or stuff, get Uber Comfort. And if you want to really impress your date, get Uber Black.
