Uber announce the integration of Transport for London travel options onto their user app

Uber Technologies Inc. have announced today, April 30, that they have integrated Transport for London public transport options, updates and guidance onto the user app. The controversial American based firm will show users the cost and time their desired journey would take on the bus or tube across London, as well as in one of their vehicles.

Uber’s regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “London is home to the world’s most iconic public transport network, and we’re excited to now provide live transit information in the Uber app.” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi took to twitter to share his first experience of using the new feature on the streets of London. He said: “had the chance to try our new Public Transport option, launching today in London with live bus and tube times from TfL in the Uber app. All part of our goal to help people replace their car with their mobile phone. More to come!”

Uber have said for some time now that they wish to become a complete journey planner for travellers, competing with other similar services such as Google Maps and Citymapper. Khosrowshahi has been in London this week to speak to investors as the company prepares for its planned IPO. According to a report in Reuters, the Chief Executive sought to persuade money managers that the loss-making app’s growth plans justified a valuation of around £70.8billion. Among his speech, it was highlighted that the company were not just focusing on public transport. Uber is trying to show investors that they also have plans for services ranging from delivering groceries and take-away meals to organising freight transportation. What ever sector Uber go in they will have to surely start booking a profit soon before major investors start pulling the plug. The firm disclosed that it suffered a loss of around $1billion on sales of roughly $3billion in the first quarter of 2019.

Image: Source; Flickr

Image: Author; David Holt