No, Uber does not have a ‘walking buddy’ feature

Uber is a popular ridesharing service that people can use to book a ride. 

Over the years, Uber has expanded to include a variety of special options for customers looking to book a specific type of vehicle. On May 15, the company hosted its annual GO-GET product event, where a number of new services were announced, including a shuttle service and a new program for caregivers. 

Viral social media posts with millions of views appear to show a new feature in the app where users can book a “walking buddy” to walk with them to a destination.

THE QUESTION

Does Uber have a “walking buddy" feature?

THE SOURCES

• Uber communications representative 

• TinEye reverse image search

• Analysis of Uber app

THE ANSWER

No, Uber does not have a “walking buddy” feature.

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WHAT WE FOUND

Posts that show a “walking buddy” feature in the Uber app are fake, an Uber communications representative confirmed to VERIFY. The ridesharing service does not have an option to book someone to accompany users on a walk. 

VERIFY conducted a reverse image search on TinEye using the viral photo and found that the false posts have been circulating since at least 2020. Many of the older posts link back to a viral tweet from January 2020, which Uber also responded to.  

VERIFY looked at the current version of the Uber app to see if “walking buddy” was an option. The feature did not show up in a search of available services between LaGuardia Airport in New York and the address shown in the viral posts, or in the Washington, D.C. or Portland, Oregon areas.

The Uber website also does not list “walking buddy” as one of its bookable ride options.