Uber is rolling out simultaneous rides in India, a feature that lets users book up to three rides for anyone in their contacts, according to information obtained exclusively by TechCrunch and confirmed by the company.
The co-ride feature is the latest example of how Uber is developing its products to reach more customers, including those who don't have the app or a smartphone. In India, Uber also allows co-ride users to pay the driver directly with cash or via the app.
Uber quietly launched its simultaneous ride-hailing service in markets around the world, including the U.S., last year. An Uber spokesperson confirmed that the new feature is currently available in India and will be gradually rolled out across the country. The spokesperson did not provide details on the exact cities in which the feature is currently available.
“We understand that while you're riding with Uber, you might need to book a ride for a loved one at the same time, so late last year we launched simultaneous rides around the world, allowing riders to book and track up to three simultaneous rides,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement shared with TechCrunch.
Once a user books a ride for a guest, they can share the trip details over WhatsApp or text message, including the driver's full name, the cab model and registration number, an Uber contact number to contact the driver, a link to track the trip, and a 4-digit PIN to start the ride, without the guest needing to use the Uber app.
The new feature could help Uber expand its market reach. Before the update, Uber only allowed one ride booking at a time, and users had to request another car after the current ride ended. The feature also puts Uber a step ahead of its competitors, who already offer simultaneous ride booking feature to their customers.
Uber's Indian competitor Ola, which counts SoftBank, Warburg Pincus and DST Global as key investors, has previously allowed two simultaneous rides, but the experience it offers is limited and doesn't allow two simultaneous bookings with one online payment method. Users must choose two different online payment methods or pay cash for simultaneous rides.