Uber launches new ride-share option during COVID-19 lockdown

Ride-share giant Uber has launched an option on its app that allows people to book a driver for a period of at least one hour.

Uber said its new Hourly Driver option was meant to help people who still needed to undertake essential travel or to get all of their errands done in one go.

"From a trip from the office, to the chemist, to the supermarket to home, this new option is designed to give riders more peace of mind by having fewer interactions with people, and a handy car to help transport things as they buy them," an Uber spokesperson said.

After the minimum initial hour, a fare will be charged on a prorated basis per minute.

The option is being trialled in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

Uber has been publicly urging people to heed health warnings and stay home, restricting outdoor trips to essential travel only.