Uber Launches New Feature To Preschedule Rides To LIRR

LONG ISLAND, NY —For those trying to frantically catch the train every morning, Uber announced on Friday it has launched a new feature to try to make the commute a little easier. With the "Make My Train" feature, Uber users will now be able to schedule a ride to catch a specific train.

The way the feature works is a rider enters a LIRR train station as a destination in their Uber app which will automatically take them to Make My Train. There, they will select the train they want to make and then choose a dropoff time for their Uber ride at the station. After selecting the train they want to make, users can then reserve a scheduled ride ahead of time to make sure the ride arrives by a certain time. The feature will also include a recommended departure time to users.

"In Nassau County, we are working hard to find safe, effective and realistic solutions to filling the gaps in our public transportation network – especially in the first and last mile of our commuters’ journey," Laura Curran, Nassau County Executive said.

Photo courtesy of Uber

According to the rideshare company, over 300,000 people ride the LIRR every weekday. Last month alone, over 3,000 riders used Uber to connect to the LIRR.

"Ridesharing is a key component of our Connect Long Island plan which aims to transform suburbia through the creation of vibrant downtowns, transit-oriented developments and cost-effective transportation alternatives," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. "While Long Islanders have continued to embrace ridesharing to make those critical last mile connections to local shops and stores, this technology will provide commuters with greater confidence in making that first mile connection."

What do you think? Will you be using this new feature? Let us know in the comments below.