Uber launches new car rental service

Ridesharing giant Uber is introducing a new car rental service, called Uber Rent, which will enable consumers to book a rental car through the firm’s app and have it delivered to their door.

Uber says users will be able to book a car from Avis, Budget, Hertz, and “dozens of other providers” through the Uber app.

“We’re also bringing the magic of Uber to the rental car experience with our new Valet option. With Valet, your rental car will be brought to your doorstep so you can hit the road sooner,” the company said in an announcement.

“When you’re done, a driver will meet you to take the car back. No rental car counters, no lines, no schlepping. Uber Rent with Valet is launching in Washington DC in May and expanding nationwide this year.”

As the announcement mentioned, the service is only launching in the US capital initially, though it is expected to be rolled out across the country later in the year.

Alongside this new rental service, Uber is expanding its Uber Reserve service. “After a year of so much uncertainty, planning ahead means extra peace of mind,” Uber said in an announcement.

“With Uber Reserve, you can tap a button and plan a ride up to 30 days in advance, request a favourite driver, and know you’re covered with our on-time guarantee: if your ride hasn’t arrived as scheduled, we’ll credit Uber Cash to your account.

“We’re making the reservations experience even more affordable by expanding Reserve to UberX in hundreds of US cities and towns, and in more places nationwide this summer.

“And as travel returns, we’re launching Reserve in cities like Paris and London, as well as 20+ of the busiest airports in the US this Spring. This means you’ll have added benefits such as flight tracking (so your driver is alerted about early arrivals and flight delays), up to 60 minutes of wait time once you land so you don’t need to rush, and kerbside pickup so you can step off the plane knowing your ride is waiting.”