Uber is trying woo Indian users by integrating its low-cost UberX service with Google Maps in India. Since its come back the US based Car Rental Giant is trying to capture the online taxi booking market through its various marketing strategies. Uber earlier adopted measures for screening & background checks of its driver partners through First Advantage.
This time Uber has unveiled its partnership with Google by integrating its app with Google maps app. The service is being provided to the customers who have enabled Uber app on their Android or iPhone.
Uber has currently allowed users to book cabs from its low-cost UberX service wherein the Google Maps app will show an estimated UberX pickup time, fare, and travel time to respective destination while searching for transit or walking directions. If users find the estimated UberX fares and times to their destination appealing, they can tap the Uber card in Google Maps and will be directed to Uber app to complete the booking.
Google – Uber app was unveiled in US and other markets last year along with 30 other major cities apart from India.
It should be hereby noted that Google Venture is an investor in Uber, having invested $258 Mn in August last year. Google’s Chief Legal Officer & Senior Vice President of Corporate Development David Drummond also serves on Uber’s board of directors.
Pertaining to the safety norms under radiotaxi act, Uber has specified additional safety features in its app, specifically, the Send Status feature that shares ride details with up to five pre selected contacts – including real time GPS tracking, driver’s photo, name and vehicle license number, as well as the SOS button which if pressed in case of an emergency automatically dials local authorities.
While Google Maps has a significant user base in the country, we are curious to see whether this feature will have any impact on its competitors like Ola & TaxiForSure.
