Uber is touting itself to the Digital India movement initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by integrating Unified Payment Interface – or UPI – to its app. The payment option would be available to riders from this week and available to those who’ve already signed up with either the UPI or the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app.
With platforms like BHIM and UPI, the current regime was pushing for digital development, and digital payment was a crucial part of the move.
Uber, with over 4.5 lakh riders on its platform catering over 9.4 million trips per week, is hopeful that ease of payment would ensure more consumers opt for UPI as the go-to option.
The UPI integration has been undertaken with the help of Axis Bank and HDFC, but riders can sign in with any of the 52 banks that are available on the platform.
The UPI feature is currently available for Android users only, with support for iOS expected to be released in the coming months.
Interestingly, Uber isn’t the first in its segment to offer UPI support. Ola integrated UPI about six months ago, with its official roll out in April this year.
This feature on Uber in India is our commitment to creating a cashless societyDavid Richter, SVP, global business, Uber
By getting global brands like Uber on board with the UPI, the Centre is hopeful of meeting its objective of increasing the number of people using BHIM and UPI.
(#TalkingStalking: Have you ever been stalked? Share your experience with The Quint and inspire others to shatter the silence surrounding stalking. Send your stories to editor@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)