Uber did not begin as a ridesharing platform. Rather, it started as a way for people to order high-end vehicles through their phones: the original service (before UberX ever existed) was Uber Black.
Now the company has revised the way it does things. Uber Black and Uber Lux have now been removed and replaced with Comfort and Premier.
We drill down the differences further.
What is Uber Premier?
Uber Premier vehicles are high-end hire cars delivered to your location through the app. Uber Premier vehicles in Australia need to meet the following requirements:
- Have an ANCAP 5-star safety rating
- Excellent working condition and no damage
- Registered and CTP insured
- 2014 model or newer
- Have four doors and fit up to four passengers
- Have working windows and air conditioning
If part of a fleet, it must have commercial insurance as well as the following:
- A minimum of 4.6 rating
- Have completed over 20 trips
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- Be a 2013 model or later
- Have current NSW registration
- Have completed at least 500 trips
- Maintain a rating of 4.85
-
What is Uber Comfort?
This is another version of UberX where the vehicle provides a little extra room for passengers. Uber Comfort vehicles need to meet the following requirements:
What differentiates Uber Comfort and Uber Premier cars from the traditional Uber service?
When you order a Comfort or a Premier, you can ensure that the vehicle you will be riding will meet the standard by Uber.
The criteria above and the restricted vehicle list show much tighter requirements in terms of what can and can't be used. Comfort will provide you more space when driving when compared to an UberX, and a Premier ensures you're being driven by the company's top drivers
So if you're after something more when you're going from A to B, then the Comfort and Premier may be a better option than UberX.
How much does each service cost to use?
Below we've compared the base prices for Sydney's Uber service.
Fees | Uber Comfort | Uber Premier |
---|---|---|
Base fare | $3.38 | $5.50 |
Per minute | $0.54 | $0.88 |
Per kilometre | $1.96 | $3.19 |
Minimum fare | $11.25 | $15 |
Cancellation fee | $10 | $10 |
Where in Australia are Uber Comfort and Uber Premier available?
State | Uber Comfort | Uber Premier |
---|---|---|
NSW | ![]() | ![]() |
VIC | ![]() | ![]() |
ACT | ![]() | ![]() |
QLD | ![]() | ![]() |
WA | ![]() | ![]() |
TAS | ![]() | ![]() |
NT | ![]() | ![]() |
SA | ![]() | ![]() |
Are Uber Comfort and Uber Premier worth it?
This depends on what you're after in a rideshare. Uber Comfort is designed to provide an extra bit of comfortability in your trips to and from where you need to go. This could work well for those of you coming back from the airport with extra luggage or just like to have room in the car.
Uber Premier is available for riders who want the luxury experience when riding with Uber. Here you'll be matched with the company's top drivers and cars will be of the highest standard cosmetically.
In the end, if UberX really isn't your cup of tea, then you'll get your dollars' worth out of Comfort and Premier. If you're after just a level up from the traditional UberX, then we recommend Uber Comfort for a touch of luxury without the massive price tag.
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