Photo: Uber
Uber expands their operations with another new program that is, so far, in a pilot stage. UberMOTO is the newest taxi service launched by Uber, this time in Thailand, in the capital Bangkok.
This is not the first attempt to put up a new taxi service for Uber. Back in April 2015, Uber announced their rickshaw program in India, but it just didn't float. Uber was forced to give up around eight months after its debut.
The Thai capital is well-known for its congested traffic, and this prompted Uber to try their hand there, using motorcycles and scooters, vehicles that can move much faster through the urban clutter. Another reason for this choice is the fact that scooters and motorbikes are already an established part of the commuting culture in the country.
In Bangkok, the current average speed went under 16 km/h (~10mph), and during the rush hour, it drops to as low as 11 km/h (7 mph). The average daily commute now takes around 120 minutes, which is bad for pretty much everybody.
UberMOTO will first be available in the Sathorn, Siam, and Silom areas, with the riders having previously been screened, including a police background check similar to the way uberX or UberBLACK drivers are verified.
The UberMOTO riders will have a helmet ready for the customers. The Thai road regulations require both the operator and the passenger of a scooter or motorcycle to wear head protection. Riding without a helmet is a traffic violation for anyone astride such vehicles.
"All of Uber’s standard product safety features are in place before, during and after every UberMOTO ride, like live GPS tracking, 2-way feedback and the ability to share trip details with family and friends," a press release adds.
UberMOTO rates are THB10 ($0.28 or €0.25), plus THB3.5 a kilometer ($0.10 or €0.09) and THB0.85 a minute ($0.02 or €0.02), with cash and credit card payments available.
The Thai capital is well-known for its congested traffic, and this prompted Uber to try their hand there, using motorcycles and scooters, vehicles that can move much faster through the urban clutter. Another reason for this choice is the fact that scooters and motorbikes are already an established part of the commuting culture in the country.
In Bangkok, the current average speed went under 16 km/h (~10mph), and during the rush hour, it drops to as low as 11 km/h (7 mph). The average daily commute now takes around 120 minutes, which is bad for pretty much everybody.
UberMOTO will first be available in the Sathorn, Siam, and Silom areas, with the riders having previously been screened, including a police background check similar to the way uberX or UberBLACK drivers are verified.
The UberMOTO riders will have a helmet ready for the customers. The Thai road regulations require both the operator and the passenger of a scooter or motorcycle to wear head protection. Riding without a helmet is a traffic violation for anyone astride such vehicles.
"All of Uber’s standard product safety features are in place before, during and after every UberMOTO ride, like live GPS tracking, 2-way feedback and the ability to share trip details with family and friends," a press release adds.
UberMOTO rates are THB10 ($0.28 or €0.25), plus THB3.5 a kilometer ($0.10 or €0.09) and THB0.85 a minute ($0.02 or €0.02), with cash and credit card payments available.
The same source explains how UberMOTO works:
- Choose the UberMOTO option in the Uber app. Enter your pickup location, payment method, and request a ride.
- Once your request has been accepted by the nearest driver, you’ll see your driver’s details straight away–name, photo and the details of the motorbike. As with uberX or UberBLACK, these drivers have undergone an extensive screening process which includes a police background check.
- Rates start at ?10 + ?3.50/km + ?0.85/min. The minimum fare as well as cancellation fee are both ?10.
- Your UberMOTO driver will have a helmet available for you. The city of Bangkok requires that all motorcycle riders and drivers wear a helmet, and failure to do so is a traffic violation.
- At the end of your trip, you can pay with either cash or credit, depending on what you chose before requesting the ride. You’ll also receive an electronic receipt.
- And to celebrate the launch of UberMOTO, we’re giving away free rides to first time users. Simply key in BKKUberMOTO to get 2 free rides worth THB 100 each, valid until March 15, 2016.
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