- Uber riders don't have to have the app on their phone to request a driver.
- Riders can now call to book a ride on-demand or schedule one ahead of time.
You can now put Uber on speed dial. Customers can call to request a ride without using the app.
The ride-hailing company announced the new feature on Wednesday at Go-Get, its annual product showcase. The phone booking service will be available in English and Spanish across the US starting May 17.
"We all know that not everyone is comfortable using a phone or an app to call an Uber," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said during the showcase. "Like my mother-in-law and for her, we have a product that's incredibly easy to use."
Here's how it will work:
Customers can request a ride by dialing 1-833-USE-UBER. You can book a ride on-demand or schedule one ahead of time. An agent answers the call and takes the rider's name and credit card information. The information is connected to an existing account, or a new account is created associated with the rider's phone number.
A few minutes later, the rider receives a text message confirming their trip information and the driver's information.
"Sometimes it's just about doing the simple thing that actually reaches a whole new audience," Niraj Patel, senior director of operations, told Insider.
"We wanted to really make sure we didn't compromise on any of our core safety features," he added. "Even though you're not using the app and tools, finding a way to replicate those things was part of the development."