Hop on the party bus: Uber launches service for group travel

Uber is partnering with charter bus rental company US Coachways, based in Holmdel, to launch a new service in the New Jersey and New York metro areas for group travel.

Uber Charter, announced Aug. 18, allows users to book a party, coach or limo bus for six or more people directly in the Uber app. According to the company, the new service is ideal for group trips, parties or corporate outings.

Uber Charter users can see the pricing before they book a trip and can add and remove stops up to three days before the trip starts. – UBER

“Whether it’s for a wedding, weekend trip to Montauk, a wine tasting in the Hudson Valley, or even a work event, it’s about to get easier for customers in the Tri-State area to book a larger vehicle for their next group outing,” Niraj Patel, Uber’s head of rider operations, said in a statement.

Patel added that “pricing is transparent, booking is fast, and payment is seamless” for the new service. The Uber Charter website notes there is a $25 booking fee and additional fees and charges may occur.

Uber, headquartered in San Francisco, said users can see the pricing before they book and can add and remove stops up to three days before the trip starts. Payment is made in the app just like other Uber rides.

Riders can also choose add-ons, such as a DVD player, outlets/USB ports, Wi-Fi and whether or not alcohol is permitted.

Currently, the service is available for trips originating in northern and central New Jersey, as well as in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester County, Nassau County, Suffolk County in New York.

The service is also available in Miami, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metro areas, and will roll out to even more cities over the next few months. Uber Charter will also add sprinter vans in the coming weeks.

‘Beyond the ride’

In March, Uber launched a product that lets customers book anything from dining to arts and culture, nightlife, and music and shows. Click here to read about it.