SAN FRANCISCO, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Uber is rolling out a new budget-friendly commuting option called "Route Share," offering fixed-route rides at significantly reduced prices during weekday rush hours.

Starting Wednesday, residents in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco can save up to 50 percent on UberX fares by booking through this new feature.

Announced at Uber's annual Go-Get event, Route Share aims to strengthen customer loyalty by providing cost-effective alternatives amid rising economic concerns.

According to Uber's Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal, the service will operate commuter shuttles along pre-determined routes with stops every 20 minutes. Each route, based on Uber's internal travel data, may include one or two additional pickup points to accommodate more passengers.

Passengers can reserve a seat from seven days in advance to as little as ten minutes before departure. The app will guide them with step-by-step walking directions from their home to the nearest pickup location.

Kansal emphasized that Uber's large user base and sophisticated matching technology make the service both efficient and predictable. He also hinted at future integration with autonomous vehicles, noting that Uber is currently partnered with 18 autonomous vehicle companies.

With economic uncertainty looming due to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, mass layoffs across the tech world, and artificial intelligence coming for labors' jobs, Uber is focusing on cost savings for riders, according to a report by TechCrunch.

"Of late, what we have heard very loud and clear is people feel very uncertain, people feel overwhelmed, and people are feeling the prices in many different walks of life, and there's this need and desire to get more affordable options," Kansal said. ■