Uber has announced that users in India will soon be able to book a ride directly through WhatsApp.
To this end, Uber will be rolling out a feature which will allow users to book an Uber ride through WhatsApp. The feature will kick-off of in India beginning this week, making commuting a lot easier for users. Additionally, WhatsApp’s Share Live Location and Location to contact features have been identified as an advantage for commuters booking via the platform.
With this new WhatsApp booking feature, Uber could leverage on the more than 500 million user base of Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in India.
With regard to safety, riders will get the same safety features and insurance protections as those provided on the Uber app. The user will be informed about the required safety guidelines, including how to get in touch with Uber in case of emergencies, directly on the WhatsApp chat flow itself.
The new feature will be first launched in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, and then will slowly expanded to other locations in India by 2022. The service will be available in English, Uber said in a statement, adding that other Indian languages will be included in the near future.