New UberHOP service promises to ease rush hour traffic hassles

Uber Philippines added another helpful feature to their ride-sharing app. It’s called UberHOP and it addresses one major commuting problem these days – rush hour traffic inconvenience.

The concept behind UberHOP is simple. It allows an Uber commuter to share a ride with up to 5 others during morning and afternoon rush hours, as long as they’re all heading in the same general direction.

This can come in handy as some Uber drivers use MPVs or SUVs. And most of these vehicles like the Toyota Innova or the Mitsubishi Montero Sport can accommodate 6 people with extra room to spare for luggage.

It’s Uber’s way of maximizing a vehicle’s seating capacity while helping to lessen traffic inconveniences like business meeting delays and the likes. Best part is that this service has no surge increase and is flat-rated at P75 per head only.

Here’s how to request for UberHOP:

• Open the Uber app and select UberHOP. Choose from the available pick-up / drop-off points and hit "Request".
• Using the directions provided in the app, walk to the designated pick-up point to catch your ride. Be punctual!
• Uber will pair you up with a driver and 5 other commuters traveling in the same direction.

After these, enjoy the ride with your fellow Uber commuters as the journey doesn’t stop in between points A and B.

The UberHOP service is available on weekdays (excluding non-working holidays) from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. As of the moment, it’s operational only in the Makati and BGC areas. It’s also worth noting that only 1 Uber user can request for the service, so if he/she has companions, they too must request an UberHOP of their own.