It is being launched on a pilot basis in Lucknow first, and will soon be expanded to other Indian cities.
Uber and WhatsApp on Thursday announced a partnership that will allow people in the country to book rides through WhatsApp – a global-first initiative by the ride-hailing platform.
With this integration, riders will no longer need to download or use the Uber app. Everything from user registration, booking of rides and receiving travel receipts will be managed within the WhatsApp chat interface, a statement said.
The integration is a global-first for Uber, and will make booking a ride as easy as sending a WhatsApp message, it added.
It is being initially launched on a pilot basis in the northern part of Lucknow and will soon be expanded to other Indian cities.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for all Indians to travel on Uber, and to do that we need to meet them on a platform they are comfortable with. Our partnership with WhatsApp does just that, allowing Riders get a new way. One ride through a simple, familiar and reliable channel,” said Nandini Maheshwari, Uber APAC Senior Director (Business Development).
Built on the WhatsApp Business platform, the partnership will expand access to Uber’s mobility services in one of the company’s largest international markets, the statement said.
“The WhatsApp Business platform has been an important lever for businesses that want to build direct engagement 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 in India with a new category of riders,” said Abhijit Bose, Head India, WhatsApp.
WhatsApp users can book an Uber ride in three easy ways – messaging Uber’s business account number; Scanning a QR code, or clicking on a link directly to open an Uber WhatsApp chat. They will then be asked to provide the pickup and drop off location. Users will get advance fare information and expected time of arrival of the driver.
Riders get the same safety features and insurance coverage as those who book trips directly through the Uber app.
They will be given the driver’s name and driver’s license plate information upon booking; Be able to track the location of the driver en route to the pickup point and speak to the driver anonymously using a masked number.
The WhatsApp chat flow will inform the rider about safety guidelines, including how to access Uber in an emergency (type help on-trip).
If the user selects the “Emergency” option while on the go, they will receive an inbound call from Uber’s customer support team. For 30 minutes after the end of the ride, Uber riders will also have access to a security line number to call if needed.
However, drivers on Uber’s platform will not see any change in their experience of rides booked through WhatsApp.
Currently, this option to book a ride through WhatsApp will be available only in the English language, but will soon be expanded to other Indian languages, the statement said.
Additionally, the service is available to both new and existing users who have registered on Uber with just one phone number.
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