What Uber Wav is and who it's for
Uber Wav is a service within the Uber app designed for riders with disabilities who need extra time to board, exit, or prepare for a trip. The driver waits longer at the pickup location — typically five minutes instead of the standard two — and the app alerts them that a rider with accessibility needs is requesting the trip. You request it the same way you request any Uber ride, but you select Wav as your service type.
Wav is available in select cities across the United States. The service is free — there is no extra charge beyond your standard Uber fare. You do not need to call ahead or contact the driver separately; the app handles the notification automatically.
The service is meant for people who move more slowly, use mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers, are blind or have low vision, are deaf or hard of hearing, or have other disabilities that affect how quickly they can get into or out of a vehicle. You do not have to disclose your specific disability to use it.
Key Takeaways
- Wav gives your driver five minutes to wait at pickup instead of two, and notifies them that you need extra time.
- You request Wav through the Uber app by selecting it as your service type at the moment you book.
- Wav is available only in certain cities; you can check your app to see if it's offered in your area.
- There is no extra fee for using Wav — you pay the same fare as a standard Uber ride.
- The service works best when you are ready to go to the pickup location on time, since the driver's wait time is limited to five minutes.
How to request a Wav ride
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup and destination addresses as you normally would. Before you confirm the ride, look for the service type selector — this is where you usually choose between UberX, Uber Comfort, or other options. Select Wav from that menu.
Once you select Wav, the app will show you available drivers and the estimated fare. The price is the same as it would be for a standard UberX ride in your area. Confirm your booking, and the driver will receive a notification that a Wav rider has requested them, along with the five-minute wait window.
Have your phone with you at the pickup location so the driver can contact you if needed. If you are running late or need to cancel, do so through the app as you would with any other Uber ride.
What happens when your driver arrives
When your driver reaches your pickup location, they will wait up to five minutes for you to board. This is longer than the standard two-minute wait for other Uber services, giving you time to move at your own pace, gather your belongings, or ask for assistance if you need it.
You can ask the driver for help — for example, if you need them to wait while you lock your door, or if you use a mobility device that takes time to secure in the vehicle. Drivers who accept Wav rides are informed that passengers may need extra time and support, though the specific type of help varies by rider.
If you are not ready within five minutes, the driver may cancel the ride. To avoid this, try to be at the pickup location and ready to board when the driver arrives, or as close to that time as possible.
Where Wav is available
Wav operates in a limited number of U.S. cities. Availability changes as Uber expands the service, so the cities where it works today may not be the same next year. To find out whether Wav is available in your area, open your Uber app and look at the service type menu when you request a ride. If Wav appears as an option, it is available in your location.
If Wav is not available where you live, you can still request a standard Uber ride and add a note in the app asking the driver for extra time. Many drivers will accommodate this request, though it is not may provide and there is no formal wait-time extension like there is with Wav.
Pricing and payment
Wav rides cost the same as standard UberX rides in your area. You are not charged extra for the longer wait time or for the accessibility features of the service. Your fare is calculated based on distance and time, just like any other Uber trip.
Payment works the same way too — you can pay with a saved card, your Uber Cash balance, or any other payment method you have set up in your account. Tips are optional and can be added in the app after your ride ends.
What to do if Wav is not available in your area
If Wav does not show up in your service menu, it is not yet available in your city. You have a few other options. You can request a standard Uber ride and add a note in the "Special Requests" field asking the driver for extra time to board. This is not a formal may provide, but many drivers will wait longer if they know you need it.
You can also contact Uber's support team through the app to ask about Wav availability in your area or to report accessibility issues with your rides. Uber has been expanding Wav to more cities over time, so it may become available where you are in the future.
If you have a disability and regularly need extra boarding time, you might also look into local paratransit services or other ride-sharing options in your area that specialize in accessible transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell the driver about my disability to use Wav?
No. The app notifies the driver that you are a Wav rider and may need extra time, but you do not have to explain your specific disability or medical condition. The driver is trained to provide the extra wait time without asking questions.
What if the driver cancels before the five minutes are up?
If a driver cancels a Wav ride, you can request another one. If cancellations happen repeatedly, you can report the issue to Uber support through the app. Drivers who accept Wav rides are expected to honor the five-minute wait window.
Can I use Wav if I'm traveling with a service animal?
Yes. Service animals are allowed in Uber vehicles. If you use a service animal and need extra boarding time, Wav is a good option because the driver will have the full five minutes to wait while you and your animal settle into the car.
Is Wav available for Uber Eats or other Uber services?
Wav is for passenger rides only — the service you use when you are the one being transported. It does not apply to Uber Eats, Uber Freight, or other Uber services.
What if I need more than five minutes to board?
If five minutes is not enough time for you, contact Uber support before your ride to discuss your situation. In some cases, Uber may be able to arrange alternative transportation or provide additional support. You can also try requesting a ride during less busy times, when drivers may be more willing to wait longer.