Prabhjeet Singh, Head of Cities, Uber India and South Asia, said passengers can access two variants of UberBOATs including the 6-8 seater UberBOAT and 10+ seater UberBOAT XL. Describing Uber’s vision to become a multi-modal transportation platform in India, he said that UberBOAT will enable passengers in Mumbai to request a speedboat at the tap of a button through the Uber app, thus making waterway commute in the city efficient and convenient.
Chief Guest Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of the Bombay Port Trust, launched the Uber App at the touch of a mobile phone button.
“With UberBOAT, we will tap the vast potential of the city’s waterways transport system in providing efficient and easily-accessible services to riders who are looking at using these specific routes. With this service, boat operators will be also able to gain access to Uber’s highly-engaged rider base and enhance their earning opportunity,” he said while pointing out that this would also take the pressure of vehicular traffic off the roads while also decongesting them.
Highlighting Uber’s multi-mode transport strategies that included use of ride-sharing bikes, share-pool highlighting vehicles and pedal-assisted bikes, Singh said Uber is the only service in India that has the services of two-wheeler, three-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles. “Uber two-wheeler services have been launched in several cities including Gurgaon where 25% of the trips are to the Metro stations,” he added.
Noting that the Uber Boat service is expected to solve many issues including; low utilisation, limited accessibility for riders and unreliable rider base, he said boatowners also benefitted by higher utilization and the boat-owners/drivers have been given proper training in regard to transportation services. Safety too is a priority with only licensed boats chosen and the existing boatowners being ‘screened’ for security purposes, he said, adding that more destinations would be added on later and customer feedback taken about the services.
“Making Mumbai the ‘Hub’ of sea transport and tourism in India in collaboration with Maharashtra Maritime Board is our vision,” Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of the Bombay Port Trust, said while noting that this service is a step to make the waterway commute more efficient and convenient. “As we continue to reimagine the waterways of Mumbai through a host of ambitious projects and partnerships, we believe UberBOAT will play a pivotal role in improving connectivity and we will work closely with Uber to make this pilot effort a success,” he added.
“For the last one year, we have been revisioning development of the port through lots of schemes including a one-kilometre-long ‘waterfront’ and also developing ship terminals like the “Angriya” cruise ship terminal, skating rinks, marina – all planned to be ready in the next four to five months – besides a 7-kilometre waterfront also being planned,” he said.
“The Government is planning to make Mumbai a sea/water tourism ‘Hub’ and so far the +Gateway of India+ is the only embarking/entry point. We are also trying to remove road congestion by having a ‘Domestic Cruise Terminal’ to visit and also connect JNPT, Elephanta, Vashi, Thane by water transport. While Union Minister for Shipping and Water Resources, Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are very keen on this, the aim and vision of this big pilot project is to also ensure safety and I have urged for this in view of one or two accidents that occurred in these waters,” he noted.
“After Croatia, Mumbai is the second to have boatride transportation of this kind,” Vikram Kumar, CEO, Maharashtra Maritime Board, said while emphasizing the Government’s thinking of using the waterways to relieve congestion on the roads. “About seven more such services have been planned for ease of travel in those focused areas, besides new destinations being developed including to Kanhoji Angre island by water transport, to the new airport coming up in Panvel, from South Mumbai to the Airport (30 minutes travel by boat unlike long road travel) and also ‘hovercraft’ services from South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai,” he said while stating that boat operators are extremely ‘bullish’ in this effort.
“We are confident that this UberBOAT service will further bolster the city’s waterway transport facilities by providing locals/Mumbaikars as well as tourists a reliable and convenient option to travel between Gateway of India, Mandwa and Elephanta. The Maharashtra Maritime Board will work with Uber to create new possibilities and augment business for local boat operators,” he added.
All UberBOAT rides will be equipped with best in class safety features including lifejackets, emergency contact details, printed collaterals along with a manual that highlights safety instructions. The rides are available at Rs 5,700/- for UberBOAT (6-8 seater speed boat) and Rs 9,500/- for BOAT XL (10+ seater speed boat) on all the active routes, Uber officials said.
