Uber signs MoU with West Bengal government for bus service

Kolkata- Uber technologies Inc., an ridesharing app, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of West Bengal to launch ‘Uber Shuttle’ - a bus service in Kolkata, where the ride-sharing app has proposed to invest $10 million in the state by 2025, and create 50,000 livelihood opportunities in Kolkata in five years. 

By March 2024, Uber will run approximately 60 air-conditioned buses on predefined routes, connecting business districts with residential areas in Kolkata.

The MoU was signed at the ongoing Bengal Global Business Summit by Dr. Saumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Transport Department., Government of West Bengal, and  Shiva Shailendran, Director - Operations, Uber India & South Asia. 

With the introduction of Uber Shuttle, travelers can now reserve seats up to seven days ahead of time, track the bus's location and route in real time, and find out its estimated time of arrival (ETA), much like they can with an Uber taxi. Every day, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., buses will travel each route. Each Shuttle vehicle may accommodate between 19 and 50 passengers. Local fleet partners will operate the buses with Uber's technology.

Dr. Saumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, said that, To make traveling easier, the West Bengal government is still dedicated to enhancing public transportation offerings and broadening the range of available modes of transportation. Our collaboration with Uber represents yet another stride in this regard.

Mr. Shiva Shailendran, Director - Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said that, Being the first of its type, this alliance will bring the enchantment of Uber rides to buses, making it particularly noteworthy. This will lessen traffic congestion, lower carbon impact, and fit more people into a vehicle all in keeping with Uber's global sustainability aim.