Many of us have already become accustom to sharing a few extra roles of toilet paper with friends, family and neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic. But sometimes you just don't want to make that trip -- or don't have access to a vehicle.
That's where Uber's new service comes in. The ride-hailing giant this week launched Uber Connect, which offers same-day, no-contact delivery from one person to another.
With the new option, senders will be asked to meet the driver at the curb and place the items in the trunk for transport. Then, recipients will be asked to retrieve the items from the trunk. The value of the package must total less than $100 per trip, be less than 30 lbs. and comfortably fit in the trunk of a midsize vehicle.
The new solution was rolled out this week in 25 cities, including Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
As you might expect, the company prohibits sending a variety of items, including alcohol, medication, recreational drugs and other illegal items. Uber also notes that it does not maintain insurance coverage for package loss, damage or theft.
The move comes as Uber says it is trying to find drivers find essential work and new opportunities, while continuing to encourage people to stay home and offering drivers sanitizing supplies in some cases.
The company also launched Uber Direct where shoppers can place orders from select retailers and get their items delivered to their doorstep—without contact. That doesn't appear to be active yet in Austin.
"Uber Direct and Uber Connect will evolve over time as we learn how to most effectively and sustainably serve the needs of businesses, drivers, delivery people, and consumers," the company said in a blog post.
