Uber brings auto-rickshaw hailing to New Delhi accepting cash payments only
Ride-hailing app Uber has diversified its transportation options in New Delhi by enabling commuters to summon a rickshaw from their mobiles.
Acknowledging the vehicle’s importance in the Indian market, the service, entitled UberAuto, has embraced the rickshaw. Those summoning the cabs through the Uber app will be able to pay in cash, the only city in the world where Uber allows non-digital transactions.
An Uber statement read: “When it comes to getting around Delhi, auto-rickshaws are a staple. We recognise the history and value of autos to the transportation landscape. For us, uberAuto is another way of using technology to offer more choice, making life simpler and keep Delhi moving.”
Gagan Bhatia, general manager of Uber in Delhi, told the Economic Times: “Autos is a product that is already commonly used by Indians across the market, there's no reason for us not to provide that option and not make it more convenient.
"There are people who only want a cash-based product, and there is no reason to keep them out of the Uber experience."
Indian Uber rival Ola already runs an Uber service in the city; however, users of the US-based app will not have to pay any booking fees or a service charge.