First such partnership between Uber and a public transport body in India
Pilot to digitise public transport services for commuter convenience in India’s Millenium City
Pre-booked seats – no street-hail
- Fewer stops – faster commute
- Safer commute – seat for all, no standing passengers
- App-tracked ride – no long waiting, round-the-clock support
- Digital code confirmation on Uber app – no conductor, cashless payments
Gurugram: Uber and Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) today launched a partnership making it possible for commuters to book and pay for their seats in Gurgaon’s public transport buses using the Uber app. This pilot will start with Gurugaman CNG AC buses on top two routes during peak commute hours. Commuters will be able to pre-book seats, follow the live location and route of the bus, and know its expected time of arrival (ETA), just like they can do with an Uber cab.
The two routes where this pilot will operate include Badshahpur bus stand to DLF Cyber Park (Shankar Chowk) via Huda City Centre metro station, and BPTP Astaire Garden (Sector 70) to DLF Cyber Park (Shankar Chowk) via Golf Course Road. Buses will run on each route from 7 am till noon, and 3 pm to 8 pm daily. Pricing for the tickets begins at INR 7 per kilometer.
As a first-of-its-kind partnership between Uber and a public transport body, this will serve as a model to illustrate how technology can improve public transport services. The partnership promises to bring a convenient commute experience as it will ensure pre-booked seats in public transport buses, fewer stops which means faster commute and a safer ride as there will be no standing passengers in moving buses. Overall, a faster and more pleasant travel experience in the buses. The commuters only need to show digital code confirmation on their Uber app to the driver as they board the bus. They will also benefit from round-the-clock safety support from Uber including having access to a 24X7 Safety Line.
Speaking at the flag off in Gurugram, Shri Sudhir Rajpal (IAS), Chairperson, GMCBL, and CEO, GMDA, said, “Today, Gurugram is home to a diverse population and the biggest domestic and international brands in the country. We are committed to improving public transport services and make commuting in Gurugram a joyful and seamless experience. Our partnership with Uber is a step in this direction, and will pave the way for using world-class technology to revolutionize bus services in the city. We are confident that this partnership will receive love from the citizens, and inspire other cities to attempt similar initiatives in the near future.”
Addressing the audience at the event, Shri Nitish Bhushan, Head of Central Operations, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Innovation is in the Uber DNA, and we are building products to make everyday life easier for everyone. We are committed to building a multi-modal mobility system that serves the commuting needs for all. Our partnership with GMCBL is an important milestone as we partner with an important public transportation player to bring the magic of Uber to public buses. This partnership will help transporters provide a better service by allowing them to predict passenger demand while giving commuters more convenient options to choose from. We are excited about the possibilities that this partnership presents and are eager to build from the learnings of this pilot.”
Here are the steps to book Gurugaman buses on the Uber app:
Step 1. Fire up the Uber app and choose ‘Ride’
Step 2. Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations
