Ride-hailing major Uber has partnered WhatsApp to allow people to book an Uber ride via its official WhatsApp chatbot. The integration is a global-first for Uber and it will make booking an Uber ride as easy as sending a WhatsApp message.
This service of access to Uber’s mobility services by sending a message to a WhatsApp chatbot will initially be available on a pilot basis in Lucknow and would be expanded to more locations soon. Messaging service WhatsApp has more than half a billion users in India, its largest single user base.
Also read: Uber hits 100th city milestone with the launch in Warangal
Currently, this option to book a ride via WhatsApp will only be available in the English language but it will be expanded to other Indian languages soon. Additionally, the service is available to both new and existing users who registered with only a phone number on Uber.
Global-first integration
Talking about the partnership, Nandini Maheshwari, Sr. Director, Business Development, Uber APAC said, “We want to make it as easy as possible for all Indians to take an Uber trip, and to do that we need to meet them on platforms they are comfortable with. Our partnership with WhatsApp does just that, giving riders a new way to get a ride through a simple, familiar and trusted channel. We are thrilled at this global-first integration for Uber, and look forward to rolling it out across India.”
Also read: WhatsApp bans over 2-million Indian accounts in October
Abhijit Bose, Head of WhatsApp India said, “The WhatsApp Business Platform has been an important lever for businesses that want to build a direct connection with their consumers. The Uber experience on WhatsApp is simple, familiar, and relatable for users and has the potential to accelerate the adoption of Uber with a new category of riders in India. We are excited about the potential of this partnership and look forward to creating more such customised solutions for products and services across sectors in India.”
With this integration, riders will no longer need to download or use the Uber app. Everything from user registration, booking a ride, and getting a trip receipt will be managed within the WhatsApp chat interface.
How to book a ride?
WhatsApp users can book an Uber ride through three simple ways: messaging to Uber’s business account number; scanning a QR code; or clicking a link directly to open an Uber WhatsApp chat. They will then be asked to provide pickup and drop off locations. Users will receive upfront fare information and the driver’s expected time of arrival.
Also read: WhatsApp gets NPCI nod for doubling payments user base
Riders get the same safety features and insurance protections as those who book trips via the Uber app directly. They will be informed of the name of the driver and license plate of the driver on booking; be able to track the location of the driver en route to the pickup point and be able to speak to the driver anonymously using a masked number.
The WhatsApp chat flow will inform the rider about safety guidelines, including how to reach Uber in case of emergencies (type help on-trip). If the user selects the “emergency” option while on the trip, they will receive an inbound call from Uber’s customer support team.
Uber riders will also have access to its safety line number to call, if needed, until 30 mins after the trip ends. Drivers on Uber’s platform, however, will see no change in their experience with rides booked via WhatsApp.
