Mumbai: Uber launches corporate bus shuttles for office-goers to dissuade them from bringing private cars on roads
Uber, known for its cab services, has made a bold move by entering the bus business. With the aim of encouraging office goers to rely less on their private cars, Uber now offers buses with a carrying capacity ranging from 10 to 50 passengers, depending on the model.
On Wednesday, Uber officials announced the launch of a corporate bus shuttle service designed to safely transport employees to and from work amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. This service will be available in Mumbai and other major cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Bangalore.
The bus shuttles will provide tailor-made programs according to the specific needs of each organization, considering factors such as distance, schedules, and routes. Only corporates that sign up for the service will have access to it, with employees being able to access trips through their Uber app once it is linked by their employer.
Abhinav Mittoo, Head of Uber for Business, India and South Asia, emphasized that in addition to being reliable and cost-effective, this service aims to decongest cities, reduce pollution, and free up office parking spaces.
Ensuring safety is a top priority for Uber. The shuttle buses will implement a comprehensive set of safety measures, including a mandatory mask policy for both riders and drivers. Drivers will also have to provide pre-trip mask verification selfies and receive mandatory education on safety standard operating procedures.
Furthermore, this shuttle service serves as a powerful alternative to the commonly observed scenario of one person commuting in a car. By offering a larger carrying capacity, it is expected to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
It is worth noting that a single bus has the potential to transport passengers equivalent to nine cars, thereby contributing to keeping private cars off the roads.
