Uber is rolling out concurrent rides in India, a feature that allows users to book up to three trips for any of their contacts, TechCrunch has exclusively learned and confirmed with the company.
The concurrent rides feature is the latest example of Uber developing products that will capture more customers, including those who don’t have the app or even a smartphone. In India, Uber even allows concurrent ride users to pay drivers directly with cash or via the app.
Uber quietly launched the concurrent rides last year in several global markets, including the United States. An Uber spokesperson confirmed the new feature is now available in India and will be rolled out in the country in a phased manner. The spokesperson would not confirm the exact details of the cities in which it is currently available.
“As we understand that one may need to book a ride for their loved one at the same time as they are in an Uber — we launched concurrent rides late last year globally. It allows riders to book and track up to three concurrent rides,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement shared with TechCrunch.
Once a user books a ride for a guest, those trip details can be shared over WhatsApp or a text message. The message contains the driver’s full name, cab model and registration number, Uber’s contact number to reach the driver, a link to track the ride, and a four-digit PIN to start the ride. This eliminates the need for guests to use the Uber app.
The new feature could help Uber expand its market reach. Before the update, Uber was allowing only one ride booking at a time, and users had to request another vehicle after their current trip ends. It also pushes Uber ahead of rivals that were already offering customers to the ability to book concurrent rides.
Uber’s Indian competitor, Ola, which counts Softbank, Warburg Pincus and DST Global among its key investors, has allowed two concurrent rides for some time. However, the experience offered by Ola is limited as it does not allow users to make two bookings simultaneously using a single online payment method. You need to either choose two different online payment methods or pay for your concurrent rides via cash.
