Uber excited about Dhaka potential

Taxi-hailing app Uber witnessed massive growth since its inception six years ago, thanks to the rise of technology.

Improved technology has also helped Uber ensure safe rides for its millions of users across 450 cities worldwide. Amit Jain, president of Uber India and South Asia, was sharing his views on the recently-launched Uber services in Dhaka, the abode of nearly 20 million people.

“The app detects your location, tells you about your driver and the registration plate of the car,” Jain told The Daily Star in an email interview.

“You can track the exact location of the driver and even share details of your trip with anyone who is waiting for you at your destination or just wants to know that you are getting home safe.” GPS or the global positioning system is used in all Uber rides, from the beginning to the end.

GPS is a global navigation satellite system that provides geo-location. The US-based firm has partnered with Bangladesh's leading telecom operator Grameenphone to bridge the gap between passengers and drivers.

He said Uber is a smartphone app that helps connect riders with drivers providing an on-demand mobility option.

Before a ride, Uber scrutinises new drivers by checking their background, including criminal records.

When someone applies to be a driver, Uber collects the applicant's personal data, such as their name, address, identity number, vehicle registration, and a copy of their driving licence.

“New technology enabled Uber to build up safety,” Jain said, adding that users can also provide feedback via the app.

Presently, Uber operates in 74 countries, with its daily average trips shooting up to eight million globally.

Uber was launched in China just two years ago and grew fast in that market, to more than 150 million trips a month.

To establish its foothold in China, Uber has merged its business with Didi China, a local firm.

India is a priority market for Uber as it is the biggest business place after the US. Uber began its journey in India three years ago and currently it is operating in 29 cities and growing steadily. Jain said Uber is excited about the business potential in Dhaka, which is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

“We are thrilled to be in Dhaka to harness technology for the benefit of riders, drivers and the city,” he said.

On the fare, he said Uber is always looking to make its services the most affordable for its riders. “We want to provide the most convenient and reliable ride at the most affordable price.”

On the traffic congestion in Dhaka, he said, “Uber is offering a real alternative.” He said cities are changing fast but technology is changing too: in many ways faster than the cities.

“Technology allows us to track how we use city resources, develop increasingly clever ways of analysing data, and effectively manage projects,” he said. 

He, however, said there is not a simple solution to challenges of congestion and pollution, but getting more people to share their journeys and providing credible alternatives to car ownership are important parts of the answer. He also talked about the authority's restrictions on Uber ride, just two days after the launch of the service in Dhaka.

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority or BRTA in a statement on Friday said Uber is being operated violating the law and motor vehicle regulations. It also urged Uber authorities and drivers to stop doing such illegal activities.

“In line with the government's vision of a digital Bangladesh we want to work with the government and policymakers to help bring innovation to our cities through constructive dialogue and engagement,” said Jain.