UberPool • March 2025

Changing how people share their cabs on Uber with Dynamic Carpooling

Redesigned the UberPool experience by introducing Dynamic Carpooling, a flexible feature that lets riders can decide to carpool mid-ride instead of committing upfront.

UX DesignUI RedesignUX ResearchLittle Intervention

Overview

UberPool is great for efficiency but has a major drawback—riders must commit to carpooling before booking, which might not always align with their preferences.

This case study presents a new feature: Dynamic Carpooling—a flexible way for users to choose carpooling after their ride has started. This enhances ride efficiency while keeping user preferences in mind.

The Problem

Despite UberPool's existence, many users hesitate to opt in beforehand because:

  • They worry about potential delays due to additional pickups
  • They want a guaranteed ride first, and later decide if sharing is okay
  • Fixed carpool pricing upfront might not always be the best deal

A more dynamic carpooling option allows flexibility, letting riders decide in real time

Design Solution

User Flow

Booking Phase
Booking Phase - Users toggle 'Open to Carpool?' before booking. No impact on their initial fare or ETA.
Screen 2
The ride begins as a private trip. If another rider enables carpooling and their route aligns, the system finds a match
Screen 3
A push notification appears on their lock screen when there is a match. Riders can tap to open the Uber app and review details
Screen 4
A popup prompts that someone is looking to share the ride. New fare after sharing is displayed. Accept and Decline buttons are shown to the user for quick decision making

Impact & Future Scope

  • Better Ride Utilization - Fewer empty seats mean more sustainable travel
  • Cost Savings - Riders get the flexibility to share rides when it's convenient
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