Uber launches carpooling service in Delhi

Uber has launched a carpooling service in Delhi. The company has announced that UberGo will now be a carpooling first product.

Selecting the carpool option will connect users real-time with 1-2 passengers heading in the same direction. Uber claims that shared rides are up to 30% cheaper than traveling solo on UberGO.

How does it work for riders?

• Slide over to the UberGO
• Set pickup location and destination
• 2 options appear - "Share your car" and "Get your own car". Choose the former for the carpooling option and a fixed fare upfront. Choose "Get Your Own Car" for solo travel at Rs. 7 per km
• Request - The user might get matched with other passengers riding or fellow commuters driving the same way
• Each request can have a maximum of 2 riders per pick up. A user will be matched with another requester, for up to 4 riders in total in the car
• Payment can be made by cash, PayTM, Airtel Money and credit or debit card

How does it work for drivers?

Drivers have to sign into the app and tell Uber where they are going. Uber will then show them requests from riders who are traveling in the same direction as well as the payment they will receive for the trip. The drivers can then decide whether to accept the request or not. Riders have to select UberGO, input their destination and the systems match them with a driver going the same way.

Steps for users who want to start sharing their cars:

• Sign up
• Existing riders have to click on "Already have a rider account" and sign in, while new users need to fill the required details to create a new account
• Upload the required documents
• Watch the video and log on to the dashboard
• Add bank details on the portal
• Once the account is activated and confirmed by Uber's Delhi team, download the Uber Partner app (iOS and Android platform)
• Sign in and take a clear profile picture and go online
• Enter the destination and get set to share the ride

At present the carpooling service is available between 7 am and 9 pm, all 7 days of the week. Carpool trips can be requested from and to most parts of Central, South & West Delhi, Gurgaon and some parts of NOIDA.