Uber's Newest Feature Will Let You Request Your Favorite Driver

Uber will now let riders across the country request their favorite drivers when they book a trip in advance, the rideshare company shared with Travel + Leisure.

The feature, part of the company’s Uber Reserve rollout next week, will give riders the choice to book a trip up to 30 days in advance. Customers will be able to rate a driver five stars and then choose them as a “Favorite Driver” on the tipping screen. Then, when they book a future Reserve trip, it will first be offered to their favorite drivers.

Customers can select multiple favorite drivers.

“We built Uber Reserve to give riders and drivers added certainty,” Geoff Tam-Scott, Uber’s product manager, told T+L on Tuesday, adding that by allowing people to request their favorite drivers, it “connects riders to a familiar face, we hope to offer additional peace of mind when folks need it most.”

Additionally, customers who book their trips at least two hours in advance will receive 15 minutes of waiting time for more wiggle room. And if the driver doesn’t arrive on time, customers will receive $50 in Uber Cash.

Those who use Uber Reserve will still be presented with the fare up front, according to the company.

To start, Uber Reserve will be available for Uber Black and Black SUV rides in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Charleston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, D.C., Fort-Myers/Naples, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami,  Milwaukee, Nashville, New Jersey, New York City, New Orleans, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Seattle.

The company plans to expand the program to UberX, Comfort, and XL by the end of year.

This effort is the rideshare company’s latest to give customers more flexibility during the coronavirus pandemic, including allowing passengers to book rides by the hour in select cities.

Uber requires both riders and drivers to wear masks and, in some cases, prove it with an in-app selfie.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she’s not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.