Jugnoo, the Paytm-backed auto-rickshaw service aggregator, has today released the service to allow riders to book autos right inside Facebook Messenger, in an obvious attempt to bring more users on their platform.
CEO and Founder of Samar Singla said in a statement,
Through ‘Jugnoo Bot’ service, people can easily book autos using their Facebook account, making the process more conversational.
Singla also mentioned that the company had been working on developing the Jugnoo Bot, from the day the Facebook Bot API was made available to the developers at the F8 Developer Conference. In an exclusive chat with FirstPost, Singla says that the chatbot isn’t replacing the applications in any way, but will act as an extended arm of the platform, that will make it easier for users to book autos and travel via Jugnoo.
The Jugnoo Bot is available to conveniently book rides via the Facebook Messenger app, Facebook Messenger on Web, at a tap of a single button. You need not have the official Jugnoo app installed on your device, and you can still easily book an auto ride by clicking on a ‘Book-a-Ride’ option in the Facebook Messenger chat window.
Jugnoo will automatically authenticate users through their Facebook login details and detect their ride location and also suggest nearby multiple locations to choose from. Else, you can also choose to share your current location via the Messenger app, and once an auto driver is assigned to you, the journey details will be shared with you.
You can also use the Facebook Messenger Bot to track your ride in real-time.
To book an auto, you can follow either of the two steps:
- You can either jump right into the Messenger app(via your phone) and search for Jugnoo, if you’re starting a new chat and you’ll be greeted by the developed AI bot.
- Or you can simply go to the Jugnoo Official Facebook Page, and click the Message button to start the chat and book a ride.
Or we have a direct link for you try the chatbot right now – Click here to enjoy!!
Further in his talk with FirstPost, Singla also shares the future expansion plans for Jugnoo and how the $5 million recent investment will be utilized to,
Right now the focus is on Tier 2 cities of India. We are working to expand our supply in metros as well. Apart from that, we want to be present in the villages and remotest corners of the country and have already started working to achieve this goal. We also have plans to launch our services outside India.
Jugnoo is one of the first to pounce at an opportunity to attract more users to come and try out its auto services, leveraging the help of the largest social-media platform Facebook. Jugnoo has left behind Ola, Uber and other cab/auto service aggregators to fight the government, against the surge price debacle and focus on their long-term game-plan.
