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Uber is officially bringing back its premium, high-end cab service to India. The ride-hailing company announced that it will be relaunching Uber Black in select parts of Mumbai from next week.
With Uber Black, users can book rides in luxury black cars that are driven by professional chauffeurs rated 4.85 or above over 500+ rides. The online cab aggregator had kicked off its operations in India with Uber Black in 2013. Initially, users could book high-end SUVs and MUVs from brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi through the service. However, these vehicles were later replaced by models such as Toyota Innova, Honda City, and Toyota Corolla before Uber Black was discontinued in 2014.
Users who sign up for Uber Black will get to enjoy in-car amenities and on-trip preferences. Personalised cab rides with benefits like quiet mode, temperature control, and help with luggage are also part of the Uber Black package. Uber Black rides also have extended wait times, providing users with a five-minute pickup window without incurring a waiting fee.
Rides on Uber Black are expected to be priced 30-40 per cent higher than those booked using the company’s existing premium service called Uber Premium.
“As the largest on-demand mobility network with industry-leading matching, routing, and pricing tech and scaled fleet operations – we are bringing the magic of consistent high quality service and premium comfort with Black,” Prabhjeet Singh, president, Uber India and South Asia, said in a statement.
“Uber endeavours to cater to the full spectrum of riders, from those seeking affordable rides on two or three wheels to those who desire a truly well-appointed experience in premium vehicles,” Singh added.
The company is also expected to launch a premium bus service called Uber Shuttle in Delhi after being granted an aggregator license by the Delhi government’s Transport Department.
Uber is expected to flag off 50 premium buses on different routes covering the national capital in the next few days. The air-conditioned buses will operate on predefined routes, connecting key business districts with residential areas across the city.
Meanwhile, Uber’s domestic rival Ola had also launched its premium cab service, Ola Prime Plus, with the promise of cancellation-free rides in Bengaluru last year.
