UberX is a widely available and customizable ride-sharing service, but it is subject to surge pricing and variable customer support. Cruise Driverless offers a potentially safer and more accessible ride with fixed pricing, but its availability is limited and safety concerns have been raised.
| Attribute | UberX | Cruise Driverless |
|---|---|---|
| Price per mile | $0.90 to $1.90 in major U.S. cities, varies by location, time, and demand | $5 base fare + $0.40 per minute + $0.90 per mile, plus a 1.5% city tax in San Francisco. Targeting costs below $1 per mile. |
| Availability during peak hours | Dynamic pricing (surge pricing) increases fares to balance demand and supply | Operated at all hours in some locations. Initial deployments often had limited hours, such as late evening to early morning (e.g., 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Houston initially). |
| Geographic coverage area | Operates in over 10,000 cities worldwide | Initially launched in a limited geofenced area within San Francisco, later expanded to cover most of the city (excluding areas like Twin Peaks and the Financial District). Also operated in Phoenix and Austin, with testing in Miami and Raleigh. Expansion plans included Nashville, Seattle, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas, and Houston. |
| Vehicle cleanliness | Generally clean; drivers encouraged to keep cars clean for better ratings and tips | Vehicles are reportedly cleaned daily at a dedicated lot. Reviews often describe the cars as clean and well-maintained. |
| Driver safety record (where applicable) | Conducts background checks | AVs were involved in 54% fewer collisions overall compared to human drivers in a comparable environment. 73% fewer collisions with a meaningful risk of injury. Cruise was the primary contributor in 92% fewer collisions. Faced scrutiny and investigations regarding safety incidents. |
| Estimated wait time | Varies depending on location, time of day, and driver availability. Uber Insights allows checking average wait times in different cities | Wait times can vary. One report mentioned a 19-minute wait time with a pickup a quarter-mile away. |
| Ride cancellation policy | Cancellation fees may apply if you cancel two or more minutes after requesting | Not available |
| Accessibility options (e.g., wheelchair access) | UberWAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicle) available in some cities. UberAssist provides additional support. App compatible with VoiceOver and TalkBack | Wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) designed with accessibility at the forefront, including a retractable ramp and wheelchair securement systems. Support for deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals through real-time texting in the app. Service animals are permitted without extra charges. |
| Customer support responsiveness | 24/7 customer support through app, but some users report issues with responsiveness | Customers can contact rider-support representatives for assistance. |
| App user-friendliness | Designed for ease of use with real-time updates on driver location, estimated arrival times, and fare estimates | The Cruise mobile app is designed to work with phone screen readers for blind and low-vision users. |
| Ride customization options (e.g., preferred route) | Uber Comfort allows setting preferences for conversation, music, and temperature | Not available |
| Insurance coverage during rides | Maintains insurance coverage for ridesharing activities, including liability coverage | Partnered with Mobilitas Insurance to provide commercial insurance coverage for its autonomous vehicles. |