US-based ride-hailing platform Uber Technologies entered India in 2013, giving technology-driven mobility a substantial push in the country. As it nears the 10-year mark after having touched its 100th Indian city last year, Prabhjeet Singh, Uber’s India and South Asia president, shares five ways in which technology has changed mobility in India
1. Enabled on-demand, affordable and reliable mobility: Technology- enhanced user interface and experience, increased automation and the concept of a shared mobility platform have revolutionised transportation and mobility, making it as easy as tapping a button to get a ride.
2. Strengthened first and last-mile connectivity: In India, multimodality is important in mobility as most people rely on a variety of modes, including public transport, for their daily commute. Technology has helped us reimagine that and unlock multimodal use cases under one app. It has eased bottlenecks like first and last-mile connectivity, enabling riders to complete their journey seamlessly.
3. Made travel safer for women: Technology has also made mobility safer—particularly for women in urban areas. Factors like 24x7 availability of rides, doorstep pickup and drop facility, telematics and GPS, trackable and shareable rides, and on-trip safety helplines for urgent situations have made women feel safer and less vul’nerable while travelling around any city (metro or non-metro), giving them access to opportunities at any time of the day or night.
4. Data efficiency: While services such as search, routing, and estimated time of arrival predictions rely on accurate map data, artificial intelligence and machine learning make it seamless. With the availability of precise location data and technology, the mobility industry is moving from thinking of a vehicle as a machine to thinking of it as an internet of things device that is connected and autonomous.
5. Made payment easy: Seamless integration of digital and cashless payment options with mobility has empowered customers to make low-value payments with minimal friction. Electronic payment instruments such as smart cards, QR codes, and digital payment have gained huge momentum in India. UPI integration offers users a secure and seamless payment interface and ease of travel.
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