Uber Targets Senior Riders With Phone Booking Service

A VentureBeat report says the Uber ride-hailing company has unveiled a new phone booking service for older Americans who might not use the Internet on their phones, according to Pymnts.com . A pilot is launching in Arizona, where users can call 1-833-USE-UBER to reach a live representative. There is no need for the phone to be a smartphone, although it must be able to text so a person can receive messages about arrival times, car details, and a receipt for the trip. The user will be prompted on the first call to set up an account by supplying some personal details like credit card data and zip code, and the phone number will be linked to the account for future ride requests — with payments deducted from the account. "This new feature combines the efficiency of Uber's matching technology with the convenience and additional support of a live team member," Uber stated in a blog post. "It was designed with older adults in mind, though our hope is anyone preferring conversational support will benefit from this pilot."