Today in more-expensive-but-maybe-worth-it alternatives to Metro: Uber launches its version of shared taxi rides, UberPOOL, and car2go finally makes its long-awaited debut in Arlington.

UberPOOL allows users to combine their ride with strangers who happen to be going in the same direction for a less expensive trip. Fares are currently 25 percent cheaper than UberX, the company says, and up to two people can ride per request (with an added fee of $0.75 for the second person). The service can be called up in the District, Alexandria, Arlington, Dulles, and DCA (though trips can be taken anywhere in Uber’s D.C. coverage area)

Meanwhile, as of this morning, car2go vehicles are finally roaming Arlington’s streets.The company originally announced a launch date of September 19 for the year-long pilot program to begin with a fleet of upgraded vehicles. But production delays caused them to push things back, and launch with the “classic” vehicles. At an unspecified later date, the Arlington fleet will be swapped out for the latest cars, which have Bluetooth technology, an updated GPS system, and a “fully moible experience” (aka no more swiping in with cards).