Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app, has partnered with the Transport Department of the Government of West Bengal during the Bengal Global Business Summit.
The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks the inception of Uber Shuttle, a cutting-edge bus service designed to optimize tech-driven mobility choices using private bus fleets.
The innovative “Uber Shuttle” aims to alleviate road congestion by encouraging more commuters to share rides, ultimately reducing carbon emissions. Scheduled to launch by March 2024, Uber plans to deploy approximately 60 air-conditioned buses on predefined routes, connecting Kolkata’s business districts with residential areas.
As part of the MoU, Uber pledges a significant investment of USD 10 million by 2025 in the state, fostering the creation of around 50,000 livelihood opportunities in Kolkata over the next five years.
The agreement was formalized at the Bengal Global Business Summit by Dr. Saumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, and Shiva Shailendran, Director – Operations, Uber India & South Asia.
The introduction of Uber Shuttle promises a host of benefits for commuters, offering the convenience of pre-booking seats up to a week in advance. Live tracking of the bus’s location and route, akin to the Uber cab experience, enhances the commute by providing accurate Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) information and ensuring a comfortable, standing-free ride.
Cashless payments and 24/7 safety support, including access to a dedicated Safety Line, further enhance the passenger experience. Operating daily from 6 am to 10 pm, the buses will contribute to a seamless and secure commuting environment.
Dr. Saumitra Mohan expressed the government’s commitment to improving public transport services, stating, “The Government of Bengal remains committed to improving public transport services and expanding available options to make commuting hassle-free.”
Shiva Shailendran, Director – Operations, Uber India & South Asia, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are committed to building a business that serves the mobility needs of every Indian, and it’s why buses are an important focus area for us at Uber. We are very excited to partner with the Government of West Bengal to launch Uber Shuttle in Kolkata.”
Each Uber Shuttle vehicle, operated by local fleet partners using Uber’s technology, will accommodate 19 to 50 persons, providing a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. The service is expected to commence at the earliest, according to sources within Uber.
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