Uber partners with Airports Authority of India

NEW DELHI: Cab aggregator Uber has today announced a partnership with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to make it easier for riders to get a ride at the airports at the tap of a button.

The service will be operational in the airports in Kolkata, Chennai, Bhubaneshwar and Pune in the next couple of weeks.

Through this partnership, Uber aims to make it even more convenient and reliable for riders to get an Uber at the airport, making travel seamless and hassle-free. Uber will set up booking zones at the airports, where even those who do not have the app will be able to book a ride. There will be a dedicated pick up zone outside arrival terminals, on-ground assistance and clear signages to guide travelers to their car for pick up.

The Uber app will also enable riders to get specific pick up instructions - like terminal and door number - to reach their Uber driver. This feature further helps optimize pick up experience for both riders and drivers partners.

Here’s what riders will find at these four airports:

· Riders at the airports will be able to book an Uber from designated kiosks at the domestic and international arrival terminals, to avail a hassle-free ride

· Clear and dedicated signage will direct riders to the pick-up location for their Ubers

· On ground assistance to direct riders to the car pick-up zones

· Uber driver-partners will have dedicated parking spaces to make pick-ups more convenient - this will also make ETAs shorter for riders

"Commenting on the partnership, Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, said, “India’s public transport networks have evolved considerably over the last few years and innovative services have played an instrumental role. It is encouraging to see Airports Authority of India and Uber come together with another technology backed service that will enhance the airport travel experience in Indian cities. I strongly believe that such services, when smartly integrated through public-private partnerships, can fill in the gaps of last-mile connectivity. I congratulate both parties for this landmark move and am eager to see passengers benefit from this new service. "

"We are encouraged by the collaborative step from the Airports Authority of India, enabling Uber to offer these solutions that marry the strengths of public air transit with the convenience and reliability of Uber, getting riders to and from transit stops to reach their ultimate destination, thereby filling the gaps in transit efficiently and seamlessly. With a first of its kind partnership in India with mass air transit infrastructure, we expect to cater to visitors from over 70 countries that use Uber in India," said David Richter, Global Head of Business and Corporate Development, Uber. Today,

Uber is available at over 20 airports in India, and at more than 200 airports globally, with presence at almost all major US and European Airports. 25% of our active riders in India in last 3 months have travelled across cities and used Uber to get to airport or for commute in the destination city.

"For public transport to be encouraged, it is important that walking distances are reduced, public transit is predictable and it’s close to people’s homes or mass transit stops. Our experience across the world and Metro rail corporations in India has shown us that Uber and public transit modes share complementarities that can help in filling these gaps and consequently reduce the burden on the government for creating new roads and public transit routes. We have already executed several partnerships with public transit agencies in India and other markets and have been effective in becoming a reliable first and last mile connectivity solution." he further added.

Commenting on the alliance, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman AAI said, "AAI has always kept passenger convenience at the centre of its functioning. We are committed to give best possible experience to users of our airports. Bringing in leading cab service aggregators like Ola and Uber is a step in the direction of ensuring minimum hassle and better services to air travellers in India."