WhatsApp users can now book Uber rides in India. An official WhatsApp chatbot was introduced to support this service and it was made available first in Lucknow. It’s rolled out in English for now, but it’s likely to be made available in other regional languages as well. The integration is said to be a global priority for Uber and looks to make booking a taxi easy. Uber and WhatsApp hope to expand the service to other cities soon.
WhatsApp user can put a Uber ride by texting Uber’s business account number; Scan the QR code or click the link directly to open an Uber WhatsApp chat. The chatbot will then ask the user to provide pick-up and drop-off locations and select the type of trip they want to book. The chatbot will provide prepaid fare information and will also provide the driver with an estimated time of arrival.
This Uber ride booking option via WhatsApp is currently only available in English. It is expected to expand to other Indian languages soon. WhatsApp also confirmed that the service is available to both new and existing users who only sign up with a phone number on Uber.
With this integration, riders will no longer need to download or use the Uber app. From registering a user, booking a trip and getting a trip receipt, all functions are supposed to be managed within the WhatsApp chat interface. The company says that riders get the same insurance and safety features as those who book rides directly through the Uber app. They will be notified of the driver’s name and driver’s license plate upon booking. They will also be able to track the location of drivers checking in to the pick-up point and be able to speak anonymously to the driver with a masked number.
The WhatsApp chat stream is supposed to inform riders about safety guidelines, including how to contact Uber in an emergency. The company says that if a user selects the ’emergency’ option while on a ride, they will receive an incoming call from Uber’s customer support team. Uber riders will also have access to the carrier’s secure line to call, if needed, until 30 minutes after the ride ends.
