Uber launches 'Quiet Mode' for users who want to ride in silence

The option is only available for Uber Black users

Uber is now letting passengers choose whether they want to put their headphones in and ride in silence or chat with their driver with the release of a “Quiet Mode” feature.

The ride-sharing app launched the option across the US on Wednesday, and it will be available to all users who ride using Uber Black or Uber Black SUV premium rides.

With the new feature, users can choose from options such as “Quiet preferred,” “happy to chat,” or “no preference” - and ride accordingly.

The option is one of an “enhanced set of features” unrolled by Uber to make it possible for users to personalise their rides.

In addition to Quiet Mode, Uber is also offering users of Uber Black and Uber Black SUV - the more expensive high-end Uber options which only employ drivers with luxury cars and high ratings - the option of “Help with Luggage” and “Temperature Control” - to “communicate your optimal temperature before entering a vehicle”.

Riders can even request “Consistent Vehicle Quality” under the new preferences, which would allow users to request the vehicle model, makes, interiors and exteriors they prefer.

On Twitter, the option of paying extra to have guaranteed silence during your Uber ride has been met with mixed responses.

“Or I won’t answer and they’ll get the hint and it won’t cost me anything,” one person wrote in response to the new feature.

Another person said: “I’ve used Quiet Driver Mode for years. I call it ‘let’s sit in comfortable silence together while I answer these emails.’”

However, others are supportive of the new option.

“I AM SO HERE FOR THIS,” one person tweeted.