Uber concurrent rides in India: Book up to three rides simultaneously

Uber, the ride-hailing company, has unveiled simultaneous rides in India, a feature allowing users to book up to three trips for any of their contacts.

The concurrent rides feature is the latest example of Uber developing products that would attract more customers, involving those who don’t have the app or even a mobile phone. In India, Uber lets concurrent ride users pay drivers directly with cash or through the app.

Last year, Uber silently released simultaneous rides in numerous global markets, including the United States.

According to an Uber spokesperson, the new feature is now available in India and will be released in the country in a phased manner. The spokesperson didn't confirm the exact information of the cities in which it is currently available.

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“As we understand, one may need to book a ride for their loved one at the same time as they are in an Uber, which released concurrent rides late last year globally. It allows riders to book and track up to three concurrent rides,” an Uber spokesperson added.

How it works

Once a user books a ride for a guest, that trip information can be shared via WhatsApp or text message. The message includes the driver’s full name, cab model and registration number, Uber’s contact number to reach the driver, a link to track the ride, and a four-digit PIN to start the ride.

Uber’s Indian competitor, Ola, which counts SoftBank, Warburg Pincus and DST Global among its key investors, has allowed two concurrent rides for some time.

However, the experience offered by Ola is restricted, as it does not let users make two bookings simultaneously using a single online payment method. You need to either choose two different online payment methods or pay for your concurrent rides through cash.