Uber users now see two reviews in the app. This is what the new option means
- Uber drivers can see how much CO2 they save by choosing Uber Green
- This gives users a new ‘Emissions Savings’ score in addition to their driver rating
From reusing plastic bags to turning off the lights, many people are trying to do their part to care for the environment.
But when it comes to coming home after a night out, not many people will think about the impact of our journey on the environment.
Now Uber users will see a second rating in the app in addition to their passenger rating.
This second rating reveals your emissions savings: how much CO2 your trips have produced over time.
“Just as we popularized passenger ratings in an effort to promote respectful behavior during Uber rides, we’re excited to launch the Emissions Savings feature to both celebrate your impact and encourage greener choices when using Uber,” said Dara Khosrowshahi , CEO of Uber.
Uber users now get two passenger ratings: one they get from the drivers and a second (pictured) that calculates how much CO2 they have saved by choosing electric vehicles
Since 2020, Uber has offered Uber Green, which allows users to book a ride in an electric or hybrid car at no extra cost.
When choosing an Uber Green, the app estimates how much CO2 may have been produced by the same ride in an UberX or Uber Comfort.
Every time you choose to drive an Uber Green, you will now receive a notification telling you how much CO2 your choice has saved.
The app also tracks your total savings over time; with each user receiving an ‘Emissions Savings’ rating.
To see your emissions savings, simply go to the ‘Account’ section of the mobile app and tap ‘Estimated CO2 savings’ to see an overview of your environmental impact.
Users will also be able to see their total CO2 savings as an equivalent in liters of gas consumed, kilometers driven or square meters of forest converted to agricultural land.
After each ride, users receive a notification stating how much CO2 emissions have been avoided. Users can also see an overview of their total savings in the ‘Estimated CO2 savings’ section
Uber says this latest feature is designed to encourage users to choose electric vehicles.
“We are on a mission to make it effortless for our riders to embrace a low-emission lifestyle,” said Mr Khosrowshahi.
Uber says its own research shows that British users are concerned about the impact of car emissions on public health and climate change.
According to Uber, 85 percent of users surveyed said they were concerned about the health effects of air pollution in London.
A further 73 percent of Londoners said they have become more concerned about the impacts of climate change since 2020.
Uber says this change is intended to encourage users to choose electric vehicles over fossil fuel alternatives (file photo)
Uber will also encourage drivers to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.
According to Uber, drivers who make Uber Green rides earn 10 percent more on rides than UberX drivers.
Uber had previously partnered with EV manufacturer Arrival to produce a fleet of electric cars for Europe.
However, the project never came to fruition after Arrival halted development of the vehicle.
The company says it plans to include more products in its emissions savings calculations in the future.
This includes ‘fully electric autonomous rides’, rides with UberX Share, but also rides on e-bikes and scooters booked through Uber.
The company didn’t suggest that the emissions savings feature would come to Uber Eats at any point in the future.
However, the company has pledged that all Uber Eats couriers will use zero-emission vehicles by 2040.