As it nears its first anniversary in Pittsburgh, ride sharing company Uber today launched its UberXL option in the area. Like the UberX version of its service, which already is operating in Pittsburgh, UberXL pairs drivers in their own vehicles with passengers via Uber’s smartphone app. But UberXL vehicles are bigger, six-person SUVs.
“We’re pumped to announce the arrival of UberXL, the most affordable high-capacity vehicle option in town,” the company said in an announcement. “With room for up to six riders, UberXL is spacious, convenient and low-cost — think Toyota Highlanders, Honda Odysseys and Ford Explorers.”
The fares for UberXL will be slightly higher than UberX; the base for UberX is $2, with a minimum fare of $4 plus the $1 “safety fee,” while UberXL’s base fare is $3, with a minimum of $7.
Drivers are automatically opted into the UberXL platform if their vehicle meets the size requirement, but can choose to opt out if they wish, said Uber spokesman Taylor Bennett. That includes drivers already on the UberX platform.
Uber moved into Pittsburgh last year, amid regulatory turmoil and protests from taxi companies, but finally received a two-year experimental license from the state Public Utility Commission in January. The company announced this week it will partner with Carnegie Mellon University to create the Uber Advanced Technologies Center, which will focus on developing technology for driverless cars.
Kim Lyons: klyons@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1241. On Twitter: @SocialKimly
First Published: February 5, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
Updated: February 5, 2015, 2:08 p.m.