Guwahati: Uber users will now be able to book more than just cabs. Uber is launching a pilot programme in the United Kingdom that will allow customers to purchase rail, plane, and bus tickets. The regular Uber app, which now only allows users to book cabs, will also feature the ability to book train, plane, and bus tickets. The feature is currently being tested in the United Kingdom.
“You have been able to book rides, bikes, boat services and scooters on the Uber app for a number of years, so adding trains and coaches is a natural progression. Later this year we plan to incorporate flights, and in the future hotels, by integrating leading partners into the Uber app to create a seamless door-to-door travel experience.” Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for U.K., Northern and Eastern Europe, said in a statement.
He added that the goal is to transform Uber into a “seamless door-to-door travel experience.” The news was first reported by the Financial Times.”Later this year we plan to incorporate flights, and in the future hotels, by integrating leading partners into the Uber app to create a seamless door-to-door travel experience.”
Uber would not provide travel services directly, like it does with cabs, but rather work with third-party booking companies to facilitate the sale of tickets and other associated services. The company did not specify which ticketing partners it would work with, although large aggregators such as Booking.com and Expedia are believed to be among them. For booking, the company will charge a service fee.
Apart from the United Kingdom, Uber has not published the names of the nations where the service will be tested. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi previously stated at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco that he wants Uber to be the Amazon of transportation, not just a cab company.