Uber unveils carpooling service

Rides will be 51% cheaper than UberX rates.

Uber Singapore launched its carpooling service, Uber Commute, which matches drivers with commuters travelling in the same direction. The firm said it is the first of its kind in Asia.

For riders, this alternative option will be up to 51% cheaper than UberX. Commuters can also schedule their rides up to one week in advance, or request a ride within the hour.

According to a statement, Uber Commute smartly matches drivers with commuters travelling in the same direction to and from work, through technology. “Understanding the regulations in Singapore has allowed us to refine our product offering to ensure Uber Commute is compliant with current laws,” it said.

Uber Commute provides drivers with a viable option to share their daily commute to recoup the cost, like petrol and parking, of their trip.

Uber is looking to gain share in Singapore by offering faster booking and cheaper rides. In an interview, Brooks Entwistle, head of Uber's business in Asia, said despite recent speculation that Uber may withdraw from the region after SoftBank Group Corp.’s investment in the company, he said that’s simply not the plan.