- Uber’s launch celebrated with free uber trips all weekend
- Mehreen Syed and Shoaib Akhtar are the first to use the innovative technology
Uber, the international smartphone app that seamlessly connects riders to drivers, has launched in Lahore, Pakistan, today after unprecedented anticipation.
Uber helps millions of people every day to move around their city, offering access to affordable, reliable and most importantly safe rides in nearly 400 places worldwide at the simple push of a button.
Loic Amado, Uber’s International Launcher for Middle East & Pakistan, said:
“Thousands of people have already downloaded the app across Pakistan in anticipation of today. We like to say that cities choose us, instead of Uber choosing cities. The interest has been incredible in Lahore, so we are extremely excited to be launching here first. Anyone can now enjoy an affordable, reliable and safe ride at the push of a button thanks to undergo. The competitive price means using uber is the perfect option for anyone wanting to get around the city.”
Uber Pakistan is launching uber with a cash as well as the usual electronic payment option – one of the first Uber cities globally to do so. To celebrate, trips throughout Lahore will be free for the first weekend.
The first person to try uber in Lahore was the actress and international model Mehreen Syed. Legendary cricketer Shoaib Akhtar also took a test ride around the city and was excited about Uber coming to Pakistan.
Lahore-born Mehreen Syed said:
“Along with Uber being a convenient way to travel, I feel reassured that I can share the details of my trip with whoever is waiting for me so they can see every minute and meter of my trip in real time as I travel. That way they know exactly when to expect me. It’s these clever little measures that make me want to travel with them.”
Widely regarded as the fastest bowler of all time, Shoaib Akhtar said:
“The traffic can make getting around Lahore slow-going, but Uber has the potential to help pick up the pace. Pressing a button and getting a ride in just a few minutes is amazing. And, over time, as more people use the app, Uber could help people share their journeys, which would cut congestion too.”
What is Uber?
Uber is available on all iOS, Android, Blackberry 7 and Windows smartphones. Users simply download the free app and create an account to get riding.
Every potential driver must undergo a screening process before they can use Uber – which requires their national identity card, driving license, car registration, a police verification certificate and a social referral character certificate. All drivers must also go through comprehensive training on how to operate the app and attend a mandatory anti-sexual harassment seminar.
Once passed, the incredible technology connects successful independent drivers to more riders, so they can take more trips per hour. The drivers who partner with Uber choose when they drive and can dictate their own schedule, day-to-day, week-to-week. Uber is creating thousands of similar economic opportunities for people in every city where the service is available.
The app uses GPS-enabled maps to find the closest available driver, usually just minutes away. Once requested, the rider sees the driver’s photo, name, and car registration and can watch on their smartphone in real-time as the vehicle arrives. They can also check whether others have had a good experience with him or her. The app notifies the rider when their driver has arrived, so gone are the days of waiting outside in the dark.
During the trip, riders can share their estimated time of arrival or a live map with friends or family who can track their progress and know when to expect them. And at the end of the journey, the trip can be completely cashless, as payment can be made automatically made through app wishes so there’s no worrying about carrying enough cash. These features provide increased safety as well as unprecedented convenience.
After every ride, you and your drivers need to rate each other and provide feedback. Uber’s safety team reviews this information and investigates any issues. Plus there is 24/7 support so if something happens, whether it’s a traffic accident or a disagreement, our customer support staff are ready to respond to any issues at any time.
