Uber launches bike taxis in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Uber today launched the pilot of its new service, uberMOTO, in Bengaluru that will enable customers to get motorbike rides in minutes with just a push of a button.

The service will help people save time and money on short trips across town and provide last mile connectivity, Uber said in a statement.

The company has set minimum fare at Rs 15, followed by Rs 3 per km and Rs 1 per min of ride-time charges.

Uber India President Amit Jain said, "We are very excited to pilot uberMOTO in Bengaluru -- pairing our on-demand technology platform with motorbikes, the predominant mode of transport in India".

Enabling transportation at the push of a button, uberMOTO will offer another affordable mobility option that will help people save time and money while helping cut congestion in cities over time, he said.

uberMOTO launch follows the launch of Uber's carpooling service, which is designed to get more people into fewer cars, Uber said.

The uberMOTO option on the app will work the same way as the other options - uberGO, uberX and uberBLACK, available on the platform, the statement said.

Meanwhile, rival Ola has also launched ' Bike Taxis' service that will offer customers ride for as low as Rs 2 per km.

Initially launched in Bengaluru, Ola launched the feature last night on its application. The minimum fare has been set at Rs 30 with Rs 2 charged per km and Re 1 per minute of trip time.