Uber Introduces Multi-Trip Booking Feature for Users in India

Uber has introduced a feature in India that enables customers to book multiple rides simultaneously for different contacts, an innovation first reported by TechCrunch after confirmation with the corporation.

This new functionality, dubbed concurrent rides, broadens Uber’s client base by catering to individuals without access to the app or a smartphone. In an innovative move for the Indian market, it permits payments for these rides either in cash directly to the driver or through the app.

Initially rolled out quietly in various international locations, including the United States, last year, an Uber representative has verified that this feature is now being implemented in India in stages. The representative did not divulge specific details about its availability in different cities.

“Recognizing the need to arrange rides for others while on a journey, we globally introduced concurrent rides at the end of last year. This feature supports the booking and monitoring of up to three rides at once,” stated an Uber spokesperson, sharing insights with TechCrunch.

Upon booking a ride for someone else, the user can share the journey details through WhatsApp or SMS, including the driver’s name, vehicle model, number plate, a contact number for the driver provided by Uber, a tracking link, and a four-digit PIN needed to begin the journey, thus rendering the Uber app unnecessary for the guest.

By allowing multiple bookings in one go, Uber not only extends its reach but also positions itself ahead of competitor services that have yet to offer the ability to book simultaneous rides. Previously, Uber restricted customers to a single booking, necessitating a new booking for another ride post the current trip’s completion, thereby advancing its competitive edge within this update.

Competing with Uber in the Indian market is Ola, backed by major investors such as Softbank, Warburg Pincus, and DST Global, which has been permitting users to initiate two concurrent rides for some time. However, Ola’s offering is somewhat restrictive, not supporting the use of a single online payment method for both rides, necessitating either different payment methods or cash payments for the concurrent rides.