In our increasingly on-demand world, ridesharing services like Uber have become a go-to transportation solution for millions of people. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can hail a ride to virtually anywhere, anytime. But what happens when you need to order an Uber for someone else?
Whether it‘s an elderly relative who doesn‘t own a smartphone, a friend who needs a ride home from the airport, or a client you want to treat to a VIP experience, there are many situations where ordering an Uber for another person comes in handy. Fortunately, Uber makes it easy to do just that.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about ordering an Uber for someone else, including:
- Step-by-step instructions for using the Uber app‘s "Someone else" feature
- Uber‘s policies and guidelines around ordering rides for other people
- Tips for ordering Ubers for minors, seniors, and people with disabilities
- How to order an Uber for someone in a different city or country
- Scheduling Uber rides in advance for other people
- Ordering Uber Eats food delivery for friends and family
- Uber etiquette and best practices when riding or ordering for others
We‘ll also take a deep dive into the latest ridesharing industry data and consumer trends to give you an expert perspective on this increasingly popular transportation option. So whether you‘re a first-time Uber user or a ridesharing pro, read on to become an Uber-ordering expert.
Ridesharing Industry Data and Consumer Trends
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to order an Uber for someone else, let‘s take a look at some key statistics that demonstrate just how widespread ridesharing has become:
- According to a 2019 Pew Research study, 36% of U.S. adults say they have used a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft, up from just 15% in 2015. [1]
- Uber alone completes over 18 million rides per day globally and has over 100 million active users. [2]
- The global ridesharing market is expected to reach $218 billion by 2025, up from $61.3 billion in 2018. [3]
Uber annual ridership, 2016-2020. Source: BusinessofApps
Clearly, ridesharing is no longer a fringe transportation option – it‘s a mainstream solution used by a significant and growing portion of the population. But beyond just hailing rides for themselves, many consumers are also using ridesharing apps to order services for others:
- A 2016 survey found that 16% of Uber users had requested a ride for someone else. [4]
- 26% of U.S. adults have used delivery services like Uber Eats to order food or groceries, demonstrating comfort with "on behalf of" ordering. [5]
- Uber has seen increased usage of its "Someone else" feature for ordering rides for friends, family, and colleagues. [6]
As the data shows, a significant number of consumers are already using apps to order services like rides and food delivery for other people. The convenience, flexibility, and control offered by platforms like Uber have made it easier than ever to lend a helping hand to friends and family while still managing the process from your own device.
How to Order an Uber for Someone Else Using the App
Now that we‘ve established the popularity of ordering Ubers for others, let‘s walk through exactly how to do it using the Uber app. The process is fairly straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Step 1: Open the Uber app and enter the trip details
First, make sure you‘re logged into your own Uber account on the app. Then, enter the pickup location and destination as you normally would when requesting a ride for yourself. You can type in addresses or place names, or move the map pin to the desired location.
Step 2: Select the rider
Once you‘ve entered the trip details, look for the "For who?" or "Person" option next to your profile icon near the bottom of the screen. Tap it to bring up the rider selection menu.
Uber app interface showing "Someone else" option. Source: Author screenshot
From here, you have a few options:
- Select "Someone else" to choose a contact from your phone to ride
- Choose "Add rider" to manually enter someone‘s name and phone number
- Pick a rider from your "Saved riders" list if you‘ve previously added them
Uber will send a text message to the rider with the driver‘s details and a link to track their progress. Note that the rider does not need to have the Uber app installed to receive these updates.
Step 3: Confirm the ride details and request
After selecting the rider, you‘ll see their name and phone number on the trip details screen. Double check that everything looks correct, then select your desired ride option (UberX, Uber Black, etc.) and tap "Confirm Rider."
Finally, tap "Request Uber" as you normally would to order the ride. The driver will be notified of the rider‘s name and phone number for coordination, but you‘ll still be the one paying for the ride on your account.
That‘s it! With just a few extra taps, you can easily order an Uber for a friend, family member, coworker, or any other contact. The app interface will vary slightly depending on your device and Uber app version, but the core "Someone else" ordering flow remains the same.
Uber Policies and Guidelines for Ordering Rides for Others
While Uber does allow you to order rides for other people, there are some important policies and guidelines to be aware of:
- Age restrictions: All riders must be 18 years or older to ride alone. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the ride. This means you can‘t order an Uber for a minor to ride by themselves.
- Rider behavior: As the account holder, you are ultimately responsible for the conduct of any riders you order Ubers for. Ensure they‘re aware of Uber‘s community guidelines and not a danger to themselves, the driver, or the vehicle.
- Pickup and drop-off: The rider should be ready and at the specified pickup location when the driver arrives to avoid delays or no-show fees on your account. Make sure they know the destination and get safely dropped off.
- Accessibility: If you‘re ordering a ride for someone with disabilities or mobility issues, consider using Uber Assist or WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicles) where available. Communicate any special needs to the driver in advance.
Violating Uber‘s policies could result in account penalties or suspension, so familiarize yourself with the full terms of service before ordering rides for others. When in doubt, only order for people you know and trust.
Tips for Specific Situations
Beyond the general process outlined above, there are some specific situations where ordering an Uber for another person may come in handy. Here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Travel: If you‘re picking someone up from the airport or coordinating transportation for an out-of-town guest, ordering them an Uber can be a huge help. Just make sure you have their flight details and pick the right terminal for seamless curbside pickup.
Business: Treating a client or business partner to a VIP Uber ride is a nice touch that shows you value their time. Consider splurging on a premium ride option and including a thoughtful note for the driver to greet them with. You can even use Uber for Business to consolidate billing and expense reporting.
Events: Ordering Ubers for wedding guests, conference attendees, or party-goers is a great way to ensure everyone gets home safely. Set up a designated pickup point and share ride codes to keep things organized. For large events, you can even use Uber Charter or Uber Events to coordinate high-capacity vehicles and streamline the process.
Seniors: Many older adults are embracing ridesharing as a transportation solution, but may need a little help with the technology. Ordering an Uber for an elderly parent or relative is an easy way to help them maintain independence and mobility without the hassle of driving or navigating public transit.
Whatever the situation, clear communication is key. Make sure the rider knows when and where to expect their Uber, and provide any necessary special instructions to the driver. A little extra coordination goes a long way in ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Uber Etiquette and Best Practices
Finally, a few words on Uber etiquette. Just because you‘re not the one physically taking the ride doesn‘t mean you can forget your manners! Here are some best practices to keep in mind when ordering Ubers for others:
- Tip your driver: Show appreciation for a job well done by adding a tip to the fare. You can do this right in the app after the ride is complete. A few extra dollars can make a big difference for drivers.
- Rate fairly: If the rider reports any issues with the service, make sure to reflect that in your rating and feedback. But don‘t downrate for things outside the driver‘s control, like traffic or weather delays.
- Respect the vehicle: Remind riders to treat the Uber car like they would their own. No smoking, eating, or leaving trash behind. If they do make a mess, be prepared to pay a cleaning fee.
- Mask up: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber has required all riders and drivers to wear face coverings. Ensure your riders have a mask and understand the safety protocols before taking a trip.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure a positive experience for riders, drivers, and yourself when ordering Ubers for others. Remember, a little kindness and consideration go a long way!
Conclusion
Ordering an Uber for someone else is a convenient, thoughtful way to lend a helping hand to friends, family, and colleagues who need a ride. With clear step-by-step instructions and a few key considerations, it‘s easy to become an expert at using Uber‘s "Someone else" feature.
As ridesharing continues to grow in popularity and more consumers embrace app-based ordering on behalf of others, we can expect to see even more innovation and options in this space. Whether you‘re a frequent Uber user or just getting started, understanding how to order rides for other people is a valuable skill to have.
By following Uber‘s policies, communicating clearly with riders and drivers, and practicing good etiquette, you can ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved. So the next time someone in your life needs a ride, don‘t hesitate to pull out your phone and order them an Uber with confidence!
Sources
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/04/more-americans-are-using-ride-hailing-apps/[2] https://www.businessofapps.com/data/uber-statistics/
[3] https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/ridesharing-market
[4] https://www.nationaljournal.com/media/media/2016/06/Sharing-economy-poll_Topline.pdf
[5] https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2021/11/10/younger-generations-more-likely-to-use-food-delivery-services
[6] https://www.uber.com/newsroom/someoneelselaunch/
