In India, Uber and WhatsApp have signed a collaboration making it possible to book an Uber ride in the company’s official WhatsApp chatbot. The integration will make booking an Uber ride as simple as sending a WhatsApp message, which is a first for Uber.
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.”
This partnership is said to be based on the WhatsApp Business Platform and will increase access to Uber’s mobility. According to the company it is being piloted in Lucknow, India’s northernmost city, and will be expanded to other Indian cities in the near future.
Riders will no longer need to download or use the Uber app as a result of this integration. The WhatsApp chat interface will be used to manage everything from user registration to booking a ride and receiving a trip receipt.
Uber will be providing the same safety benefits and insurance coverage as those who book trips directly through the Uber app. They will be informed of the driver’s name and licence plate upon booking; they will be able to track the driver’s location en-route to the pickup point, and they will be able to communicate with the driver anonymously via a masked number.
Aso the rider will be informed about safety guidelines via WhatsApp, including how to contact Uber in the event of an emergency (type help on-trip). The user will receive an inbound call from Uber’s customer support team if they select the “emergency” option while on the trip. Until 30 minutes after the trip ends, Uber riders will have access to the company’s safety line number, which they can call if necessary.
Uber drivers, on the other hand, will continue to have the same experience with rides booked through WhatsApp. As of now the option to book a ride via WhatsApp is currently only available in English but soon it will be expanded to other Indian languages. Additionally, new and existing Uber users with only a phone number can use the service.
How to book an Uber ride via WhatsApp?
- Message Uber’s business account number.
- Scan a QR code directly opening and Uber chat by clicking a link
- Now you will be asked to provide pick up and drop off locations after that.
- Furthermore, users will be given upfront fare information as well as the driver’s estimated arrival time.
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