Route Shares: Chicago's new Uber option

Uber unveiled new features this week — many focused on affordability in big cities like ours.

Why it matters: Consumers are feeling deeply pessimistic about the economy, according to a recent consumer confidence survey.

Zoom in: Changes in Chicago include something called "Route Shares" along busy corridors during weekday commutes.

• Riders can select the Route Share option to see nearby routes with pickups every 20 minutes, offering savings "up to 50% compared to UberX."

Chicago riders can also purchase $2.99 ride passes designed to "help riders lock-in lower fares and keep costs predictable on trips they frequently take," Uber officials said.

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