Uber, the world’s largest transportation platform, has finally steered itself into Dhaka’s congested streets. Commuters may no longer have to worry about phone calls or running around on the dusty streets looking for CNGs or cabs. With Uber’s 24/7 availability, all you need to do is press a button on the app and wait for your designated driver to arrive. Not only is it an on-demand car service, but it also allows you to see exactly where the driver is as they come to pick you up.
The initial outlook from the Uber experience looks fairly positive. Travelling from Banani to Uttara, mid-day with moderate traffic and being charged Tk 250 seems like a more than reasonable deal, especially considering a CNG would charge an amount around the same region for that commute. On top of that, you’re also getting an air-conditioned ride with the addition of a friendly driver who has obviously been trained by the company regarding proper customer service and behaviour.
Uber only just launched yesterday so its wide-scale impact cannot be ascertained yet. However, it will be interesting to see how things develop in the coming days. This new entity in our transportation domain could turn out to be a blessing for travellers (especially women) looking for safer travel alternatives, or it could become an added nuisance to our already strangulated traffic scenario. Uber has already deployed around 200+ drivers in Dhaka with more sure to be joining their wheel wielding army. As the convenience of Uber’s services gains popularity, the impact will obviously spread out towards the prices and services of other public transport providers which will be interesting to observe.
