Now, book an Uber on WhatsApp

GLOBAL-FIRST INTEGRATION

Now, book an Uber on WhatsApp

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru:03.12.2021

Uber has partnered with WhatsApp to allow people to book a ride via Uber’s WhatsApp chatbot. The service is first being launched in India, and Lucknow will be the first city to experience it.

Nandini Maheshwari, senior director of business development in Uber Asia Pacific, 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. We are thrilled at this global-first integration for Uber, and look forward to rolling it out across India.”

Ther service is built on WhatsApp Business Platform. Abhijit Bose, head of WhatsApp India, said the WhatsApp Business Platform has been an important lever for businesses that want to build a direct connect with their consumers. “The Uber experience on WhatsApp is simple, familiar, and relatable for users and has the potential to accelerate adoption of Uber with a new category of riders in India,” he said. With this integration, riders will no longer need to download or use the Uber app. From user registration to booking a ride, and getting a trip receipt will be managed within the WhatsApp chat interface.

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.

The companies said that riders will get the same safety features and insurance protections as those who book trips via the Uber app directly. Drivers on Uber’s platform will see no change in their experience with rides booked via WhatsApp.