Uber is further adding to the already robust functionality of its ride-hailing app by surfacing real-time departure/arrival info about public transit, such as buses and trains, right within the app itself. You will now easily be able to plan out your travel without having to jump between multiple apps.
To make this a reality, Uber has decided to amalgamate real-time data from its long-standing partner Transit, a Canadian transport information service right into its own app. The latter had already integrated Uber’s services into its own app to enable users to hail a taxi to complete the last-mile connection after traveling to a certain location via public modes of transport.
Now, the Uber app feed will start displaying public transit info when you’re just one block away from your destination, which are then updated in real-time. Tapping on a specific departure card will take you to the Transit app, which you should have installed, to show you the complete directions and info on that particular mode of transport. It is also less time-consuming and efficient than having to look for a parking space for your own vehicle, says the official blog post.
Speaking on the integration, Jake Sion, Chief Operating Officer, Transit said:
Our integration with Uber is a perfect match, as we both envision a future in which every journey is shared using a combination of transit options.
The Transit integration has presently gone live on Android and is expected to make an appearance on iOS in the coming weeks. The Uber app will display real-time public transit info for nearly 50 locations in the United States, which includes:
Albuquerque, Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Charlottesville, Chattanooga, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Connecticut, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Grand Rapids, Hampton Roads, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Madison, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland (ME), Portland (OR), Raleigh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, SF Bay Area, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay Area, DC and Worcester.
While one might be of the opinion that Uber wants its passengers to favor its own ride-hailing service over public transit but the Transit integration into the app seems to suggest otherwise. The company is focused on making transportation within the city more open and connected, rather than restricted to its own service. Thus, surfacing real-time info on public transit can be very helpful for certain passengers — who can choose between taking an Uber or train or a mix of both to work.
