[TusharK]

Uber has introduced phone booking service in Pune on a trial basis. The service is aimed at users who don't have access to a smartphone.



Uber has put up signs at specific locations in the city that display a nationwide phone number and an area code which helps identify the caller’s location. Once the call is connected, the rider will be prompted to enter the numeric code displayed on the sign. Upon confirmation, the rider will receive a text message with information about the car and the driver partner. At the end of the ride, the rider can pay with cash. The company hasn’t clarified whether this service will be made available in other cities as well.

In addition to this service, Uber India is also enabling offline search on its app. This will allow riders to select certain destinations in the city without using data, in areas with limited network coverage. This feature is expected to be launched in coming weeks.

Finally, a web-based version of the Uber app has also been launched. It can be accessed by entering the URL - “m.uber.com” on a desktop or mobile browser.

Source: Medianama

[msdivy]

Isn't this a Radio taxi feature?

[SmartCat]

Next big idea ->

1) When you see a Uber taxi go by, you wave frantically.
2) The Uber taxi stops
3) You tell the Uber taxi driver where you want to go
4) The Uber taxi takes you to the destination.

[Sankar]

Originally Posted by smartcat

Next big idea ->

1) When you see a Uber taxi go by, you wave frantically.
2) The Uber taxi stops
3) You tell the Uber taxi driver where you want to go
4) The Uber taxi takes you to the destination.

And soon they will launch a three wheeled version of the same with the above features

[libranof1987]

Ola has had this for a year so was only a matter of time until Uber launched this too.

Win win: customer doesn't need a smart phone. Uber can get away with whatever pricing and get a more expensive vehicle (UberX over UberGo).

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/street...ml#post4069539

[avingodb]

My mom would be very happy to see this development!

[GTO]

Originally Posted by TusharK

Uber has introduced phone booking service in Pune on a trial basis. The service is aimed at users who don't have access to a smartphone.

A step back in terms of technology, but hey - when in Rome...

Uber has put up signs at specific locations in the city that display a nationwide phone number and an area code which helps identify the caller’s location

That area code thingie is brilliant! No need to explain the pickup spot.

Originally Posted by msdivy

Isn't this a Radio taxi feature?

What radio taxi? Didn't they get annihilated by Uber & Ola?

Originally Posted by smartcat

1) When you see a Uber taxi go by, you wave frantically.
2) The Uber taxi stops
3) You tell the Uber taxi driver where you want to go
4) The Uber taxi takes you to the destination.

Originally Posted by libranof1987

Ola has had this for a year so was only a matter of time until Uber launched this too.

I had actually used Ola's book via SMS feature when I was in an area with poor cell coverage and no data. It surely helped.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by TusharK

Uber has introduced phone booking service in Pune on a trial basis. The service is aimed at users who don't have access to a smartphone.

Need to ask my MIL to try it out when the service gets to Kochi. Right now I / my wife book for her from Singapore, and at times the driver call back to our Singapore number to get the exact location of MIL’s apartment

Originally Posted by smartcat

Next big idea ->

1) When you see a Uber taxi go by, you wave frantically.
2) The Uber taxi stops
3) You tell the Uber taxi driver where you want to go
4) The Uber taxi takes you to the destination.

And feedback by Hug, Laugh, straight-face, frown or slap?

[abhishek46]

Originally Posted by Sankar

And soon they will launch a three wheeled version of the same with the above features

Yeah!
And then an Uber branded Auto/Taxi Stand too, where Uber drivers will hound passerbys with "kahan jaana hai Bhaiya?", "Hamare Uber mein aao na..AC hai!"

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by GTO

A step back in terms of technology

Yes and No.
Step back for us techno-savvy generations who will never use this feature anyway.
Step UP for senior citizens who can't keep us with technology but would like to upgrade to a better medium of transport without adding any stress. My grandma would sure be happy about this.

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by msdivy

Isn't this a Radio taxi feature?

Actually sounds more like a "bus stop on demand" feature - due to the fixed pick-up points.

[blackwasp]

Originally Posted by msdivy

Isn't this a Radio taxi feature?

A radio taxi will come to any location it serves, while here they will limit the pickup points. Another way to avoid legally being called as a Radio Taxi.

Originally Posted by smartcat

Next big idea ->

1) When you see a Uber taxi go by, you wave frantically.
2) The Uber taxi stops
3) You tell the Uber taxi driver where you want to go
4) The Uber taxi takes you to the destination.

Unfortunately, this won't work as their cab license is not for cab hailing on the streets. Hence the app - it circumvents the requirement for getting a permit. This was the main contention issue back when Uber started. Technically you still hail an Uber, but just using an app.

99% of the Uber cabs run on the tourist taxi permits. Hence it gets into a grey area. Its difficult to understand what the administration wants. On one side they want the tax and revenue from Uber & the cars operating under it and at the other end they want to promote black and yellow cabs. Why not let the consumer choose?