Bengaluru: In a bid to resolve the daily traffic woes faced by residents, Uber has announced plans to roll out an affordable bus service aimed at transporting workers across the city. The initiative, known as the Uber Shuttle, will primarily operate along the bustling 18-kilometer IT corridor linking KR Puram and Silk Board, an area that homes nearly 30 tech parks and approximately 1.5 million IT professionals.
Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, shared the news during the unveiling of the company’s 2024 India Economic Impact Report. Singh highlighted that discussions are currently underway with local regulators to secure the necessary approvals for the project, which has already been successfully implemented in major cities including Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
Shuttle services to complement existing services
Singh expressed hope that the Uber Shuttle service would complement existing public transportation options in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the Uber executive also addressed concerns related to pricing and commission structures, particularly during peak hours. He acknowledged that prices may vary due to undersupply.
Singh proposed a flexible pricing model that allows for dynamic adjustments based on demand. He suggested that riders should have the option to pay higher fares during busy times up to Rs 1,400, if they choose, while emphasising the importance of maintaining a balance in the marketplace.
Uber’s suggestion to Karnataka Government
With ongoing legal discussions between the Karnataka transport department and aggregator apps concerning pricing mechanisms, Singh urged the government to allow dynamic pricing within defined limits. His recommendations included:
- Allowing dynamic rider pricing with upper and lower thresholds.
- Avoiding overly detailed definitions of fare components to maintain flexibility.
- Implementing a variable commission structure based on trip specifics to ensure both drivers and riders feel comfortable with pricing.
Singh stressed the importance of transparency in operations, noting that the Uber app provides drivers with clear information about their average service fees, which typically hover around 12 per cent.
