The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has roped in Uber, the private cab aggregator and the San Francisco, California-headquartered company to improve the last-mile connectivity from its stations in Delhi. Soon Metro users will be able to use Uber services from dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones across 210 stations. DMRC has at present 274 stations across the national capital.
The DMRC, which had in recent times invited bids to improve last-mile connectivity, now has a three-year contract with Uber. Delhi is the ninth city in the world and the first in Asia where Uber has launched it transit journey planning feature.
At the joint media event in New Delhi, DMRC Managing Director Mangu Singh mentioned Uber had won a “competitive bid” to expand the Public Transport feature across 210 Delhi Metro stations out of its 274 stations.
Singh said, “The new initiative, which integrates public transport with mobility operator like Uber, will certainly boost first- and last-mile connectivity solutions for around six million passenger journeys taken on the Metro system. We have provided several solutions to improve last-mile connectivity.”
Detailing about the plan, Singh said that the on-demand service will be integrated at 210 stations. He added that some space will be provided at DMRC stations for Uber to setup its pick-up and drop-off zones. At present, such a facility is only available at three stations—Rajiv Chowk, Dwarka sector 21 and Sikanderpur.
Uber chief executive officer Dara Khosrowshahi said, “The way people use the public transport (system) is changing and through partnership with cities and transit authorities, like DMRC, Uber’s technology can help millions of people make smart, shared mobility choices.”
The new Public Transport feature on Uber mobile application will facilitate people plan their travel via available modes of public transport. While booking a ride, Uber users will soon see Public Transport as an option.
Both Uber and DMRC working together on developing model stations where there will be facility for cabs, charging station for e-vehicles, with all components of multi-modal integration to offer seamless travel options to commuters.
