//

Indonesian bike-taxi booking platform Go-jek recently snapped up two Indian startups indicating its potential launch in the country

Indonesian bike-taxi booking platform Go-jek recently acquired two software startups in India. While it did not leave any hints as to whether it is planning to expand to India, the country could be its next target, thanks to its vast potential.

It seems Uber has sensed this potential competition early on. So, it has decided to bring its on-demand bike-taxi booking service uberMOTO to India, days after its launch in Thailand.

uberMOTO is currently being tested in the IT city of Bangalore.

uberMOTO enables people to push a button and get a motorbike ride in minutes. The company claims that it is a great way for people to save time and money on short trips across town and provides last-mile connectivity.

Amit Jain, President, Uber India, said: “We are very excited to pilot uberMOTO in Bangalore, pairing our on-demand technology platform with motorbikes, the predominant mode of transport in India. Enabling transportation at the push of a button, uberMOTO will offer another affordable mobility option that will help people save time and money while helping cut congestion in our cities over time.”

uberMOTO launch follows the launch of Uber’s carpooling service. Note that leading car-pooling service Tripda said it shutting down operations across the globe, including India).

The uberMOTO option on the app will go live today and will work the same way as the other options – uberGO, uberX and uberBLACK, available on the platform. The rates start at INR 15 (US$0.22)+ INR 3 (US$0.04) /km + INR 1 (US$0.01) /min. The minimum fare is INR 15 (US$0.22).

People who own motorbikes/scooters can also become drivers on the platform and recoup the costs of their trips.

How it works?

Choose the uberMOTO option in the app. Enter your pickup location and payment method. Request your ride.

Uber will show your driver’s details straight away — name, photo and the details of the motorbike.

Uber’s standard product safety features are in place before, during and after every trip, including GPS tracking, 2-way feedback and the ability to share trip details with family and friends.

At the end of the trip, you’ll pay by cash, credit/debit card, mobile wallet or Airtel money.

The post uberMOTO arrives in India; Is Uber sensing a potential competition from Go-jek? appeared first on e27.

from e27 http://ift.tt/21FpBk3