Uber has launched a new pilot program at Portland International Airport (PDX) called Uber PIN that aims to reduce wait times at airports. It works as follows:
- Order an Uber as normal
- Uber will provide you with a six digit PIN
- Go to the next available driver in the pick up zone and provide them with your unique PIN
Interestingly Lyft launched basically the same idea on Monday but it uses a four digit code instead of six. The PIN solution isn’t new though as Uber has previously used this for high volume events. Personally I really like this solution, getting an Uber/Lyft from an airport always seems like it’s a more difficult experience than it needs to be.
They used this at the Waste Management Open and it worked great. Definitely makes life easier
Part of the airport problem is created by the airports intentionally — they could just let all the drivers wait at the exit gates and then when you connect it’d only be a 1 minute wait. They don’t do this to avoid congestion. PIN system only marginally changes these facts
So…basically…a taxi stand line. That’s the invention?
So … a taxi stand. Oops, they’re not transportation companies. It’s, uhh, a virtual system to match a ride request to a vehicle in a designated area using an algorithm that may be but is not limited to first come first serve.
They tried this when the Atlanta Braves opened their new stadium on opening night. Talking to people that went, it was an absolute clusterf#*k. Hopefully when people are more educated on the process it can go smoother.
What prevents random non-Uber cars from trolling the pickup zones, taking the pins and driving you off to be killed?
I don’t know why this comment made me laugh so much.
That actually formulates a great idea; they should give the rider a pin to provide to the driver, as well as, give the driver a separate pin to provide to the rider, as well. Then, both parties know everything is copacetic.
It would feel too robotic.
Driver: hey what’s your code?
Rider: 4230, what’s yours?
Driver: 6950
Rider: ok cool I’ll get in
Driver: where to?
Rider: Iowa
Driver: wrong pin.
The app could be updated to link the rider and driver’s phones by NFC. If that doesn’t work, they could fallback on the pin thing.
Uber’s pin idea is probably designed to streamline the process. But, may as well make the whole thing safer, while you’re at it. – Kill two birds with one stone. Okay, bad analogy.
I’d assume that the driver’s app notifies the rider via their app after they enter the code, basically accomplishing this.
This is how traditional taxis work in Colombia. I find it burdensome and annoying but the safety risk there is on a whole other level (getting better though!)
If the driver inputs the PIN then the app will update to show all the driver info of who your driver is. Don’t get into a random stranger’s car?
And let’s be clear — become an Uber driver isn’t a high hurdle so if they wanted to scoop you up and murder you, it wouldn’t be that hard
And for basically all of human history before then hitchhiking and staying at friendly strangers’ were totally normal ways to travel. There was a brief period of mistrust but apps have sort of brought that trust back (good!) I got to spend a couple months in New Zealand earlier this years and the social trust level there is off the charts to what I’m used to but similar to the stories my grandparents told.
I’m surprised there isn’t already a requirement than riders show their ride receipt when getting into the car. A PIN would be a good idea, too… but, I don’t see why it’s not for all rides. This ride-sharing business is way too unsecure, as it is.
Anyway, Uber is losing billions… so, the business model is likely going to be defunct, soon enough; assuming litigation/regulation won’t put them out of business first.
Slowly to zero. I expect them to run some wild promos while fading
They’ve already been running massive amounts of promos. – Just giving away other people’s investment money.
I haven’t paid full price for a ride on Uber or Lift, yet; and, regular price was still probably half of what it would have cost to take a taxi. The ride-sharing business is unsustainable at these prices.
Uber wants to be like McDonalds… and simultaneously offer steakhouse steaks. It just doesn’t add up.
The problem is that the rider needs to have in-person contact with the driver before the driver accepts the ride. The driver then can ask about destination, and refuse to enter the pin if s/he doesn’t like the destination, which means “Good luck getting a ride from several major airports to places that drivers don’t like (like from LGA to Long Island in late evening of weekdays).”
There should be a scannable QR coupled with this
Why?
This is a nice change. Getting a ride at an airport is usually such a hassle.