Uber riders must now input destination upon booking to save time
Uber now requires customers to enter their destination when booking a ride, claiming that it optimises efficiency and reduces the time it takes customers to get picked up. It will also allow automatic time of arrival estimates for drivers who are completing a trip nearby.

PHOTO: UBER

Ride-hailing service Uber just announced an update to its services which now requires customers to enter their destination when requesting a ride. The update will also allow partner-drivers to receive requests while they are completing a trip.The ride-hailing behemoth has been trying to improve its services locally with recent upgrades in face of strong competition from arch-rival Careem.Uber says the update is aimed at bringing a smooth and seamless experience to its customers as it optimises efficiency and reduces the time it takes riders to get picked.“Entering your destination ahead of time makes life easier; saving you the time and effort it takes to explain where you’re going to your driver, and allows them to simply follow the directions provided by GPS,” a statement reads on Uber’s website.Uber users will now be required to select their current destination when they open the app. They can either enter their destination in the text field or select one of their preferred points. Riders will then be notified of nearby drivers who are completing a trip and the app will also provide an estimate of the time it takes for them to be picked.