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Uber launches quiet driver mode in Uber Black

Uber launches quiet driver mode in Uber Black
Jacob Yothment

Jacob Yothment

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It’s happened to all of us: We hop in our Uber expecting a quiet ride, and then five minutes into it we are talking politics and debating the existence of God.

Uber driver

Friendly conversation is nice every now and then, but we don’t always want to strike up an in-depth conversation with a complete stranger.

Luckily, Uber seems to have gotten the picture as they just unrolled a new feature to request a quiet driver. 

Unfortunately, the new feature will only be available if you choose the Uber Black or Uber Black SUV options when getting your ride.

To request an Uber Black ride, request a ride as you would normally in the app. Before choosing your riding experience, scroll to the bottom of your ride options to find the Uber Black option.

Uber Black

Uber Black rides are done by professional drivers in high-end vehicles. These are typically much more expensive than the normal UberX option. For example, we checked the price of a 40-minute drive to the heart of downtown Chicago. It cost $23 with UberX and $61 with Uber Black. Most users typically use Uber Black for business or for special occasions like date nights.

That said, the choice to only have the quiet mode option only with Uber Black seems odd. Sure, if you’re out with a loved one or with a client on business, it would be nice to not feel compelled to talk with the driver. Then again, it would be nice to have that option with EVERY ride option.

A quiet driver mode can really come in handy. For those rides home from the airport, we can decompress a little bit. For that trip to work, we can send a few emails or maybe squeeze in a power nap.

Enhanced driving experiences

The quiet mode comes as a part of enhanced experiences announced by Uber. Other features include the following:

  • Help with luggage
  • Temperature control
  • Extended pickup period
  • Premium support: access premium phone support with live agents if you need something to be made right.
  • Professionalism: ride with confidence knowing that your professional, commercially-licensed driver is at the top of his or her game.
  • Consistent vehicle quality: expect the same kinds of rides, every time, with consistent vehicle model, makes, interiors, and exteriors.

    Wrapping up

    This appears to be an attempt to make users more likely to use Uber Black or Uber Black SUV more often. All in all, the option sounds great, we just wish it was available on other ride options.

Until then, we might just opt with wearing our headphones on the train. 

Jacob Yothment

Jacob Yothment

Jacob Yothment is the assistant content editor for Softonic. He's worked in journalism since high school, and has been a fan of all things technology and video games his entire life. He is a 2016 graduate of Purdue University Northwest.

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