Uber is moving forward with its plan to become a “superapp” for travel. The San Francisco-based company announced on Wednesday that it will expand its U.K. app this year to include trains, buses, planes, and car rentals. The move is part of a pilot programme that, if successful, could be expanded to other countries in the future.
While Uber will not supply these services, consumers will be able to book them through its app thanks to software partnerships with ticketing systems. The tech giant, which may take a share of each booking, has stated that it will reveal a number of partners in the coming months.
The connections, according to Uber, would assist increase app usage among its customers in the United Kingdom, who also have the option of utilising applications like Bolt and Free Now. Outside of the United States, the United Kingdom is one of Uber’s most important markets.
Uber’s UK head, Jamie Heywood, said in a statement that the company aspires to be “a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs.” “For a lot of years, you’ve been able to book rides, bikes, boat services, and scooters via the Uber app,” he explained. “Adding trains and coaches is a natural evolution.”
“Later this year, we plan to incorporate flights, and in the future, hotels,” he said, adding that “leading partners will be integrated into the Uber app to provide a seamless door-to-door travel experience.”
Uber also intends to allow users to purchase Eurostar train tickets using its app. The Channel Tunnel allows passengers to travel from London to Paris and other places via Eurostar. The statement comes on the heels of Uber’s recent victory.
Uber was granted a 30-month license to operate in London on March 26, putting an end to a protracted legal struggle with municipal officials over whether the ride-hailing service was “fit and suitable.”
However, the company’s aspirations for a “superapp” are behind schedule. Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, stated in 2018 that he wants to expand the app’s transportation alternatives.
“It’s fair to say Covid slowed us down a little bit,” Heywood reportedly told The Financial Times. Uber’s stock was down 1.6 percent to $34.40 in premarket trade on Wednesday.