In more than 250 cities across the globe, people are using Uber Eats because it’s a fast, reliable way to get their favourite food delivered by their favourite restaurants in minutes.

And word is getting out—we’re seeing a tremendous appetite across the world, as the number of people ordering on Uber Eats continues to grow. In less than 18 months, Uber Eats has grown to encompass six New Zealand cities.

In order to maintain the speed, reliability, and selection people expect from the Uber Eats experience,  restaurants need delivery partners to be available to deliver their orders, especially during peak times.

That’s why, starting today, we’re trialing a new busy area fee and will be asking Uber Eats users in select cities, beginning with Wellington, to pay a higher delivery fee when they order from restaurants in areas with strong demand.

The app will show users if a busy area fee will apply for their chosen restaurant, prior to the order being placed. The extra fee amount will be clearly shown above the menu in the app, and will be reflected on the order receipt along with the standard delivery fee.

This feature is live in many overseas markets already and this trial is an important step to ensuring we maintain the reliability, selection and speed that Uber Eats is known for. As always, we’ll be listening to feedback and working on additional improvements in the coming weeks and months.