Car service provider Uber are parking itself in the lifestyle space while expanding its reach, unveiling new partnerships with airlines, hotels and even the world’s largest travel site.
The company’s HQ in San Francisco yesterday launched the Uber API – open to all developers – and has already secured 11 partners including United Airlines, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, TripAdvisor, TripCase, Expensify, Time Out and coffee-chain Starbucks, amongst others.
“Apps can pass a destination address to the Uber app, display pickup times, provide fare estimates, access trip history and more,”
Uber stated.
In a nutshell, the API allows partner companies to enable users to summon Uber cars from inside their applications for smartphones or tablets.
Uber showcases a few examples of how partner apps will work:
- Catching a flight? The United mobile app shows ETAs of the closest drivers and fare estimates, so you can get reliable ride to and from the airport for less.
- Night out? Time Out shows different Uber options—from low-cost to luxury—so you can be sure to arrive in style to the city’s best nightlife.
- Need a place to stay? Book a room through the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts app and request a ride to your hotel right from the reservation screen.
“We’re excited to partner with Uber to help TripAdvisor travelers conveniently find a ride to their destination in cities throughout the world,” TripAdvisor senior vice president of global product Adam Medros told AFP reporters.
Uber also released a software kit to allow makers of mobile apps to link to its platform, a method proven successful for the likes of Facebook and other online systems.
Hyatt’s mobile app already features a Uber button icon in its “My Reservations” section letting users summon Uber cars.
“Our partnership with Uber offers customers new opportunities to simplify their travel experience,”
United Airlines vice president of loyalty Praveen Sharma said.
“Customers can use the app to ensure a more convenient journey, from checking in for an international flight from their home or office to finding instant ground transportation options at their final destination.”
What’s more, for a limited time, United are offering customers who sign up for Uber via the United app and complete their first transaction will receive 1,000 MileagePlus award miles.
Uber did not release information about revenue sharing or referral fees involved with its new partners.
As part of its ambitious expansion, Uber has also begun testing (in the USA only) the potential of having its drivers deliver over-the-counter medicine, chocolates, beauty supplies or other goods that are available from neighbourhood stores.
The service, called “Corner Store,” lets people pay for items using Uber accounts on mobile devices and then have products delivered.
“Forget racing to the store after a long day at the office,” Uber said.
“We’re bringing diapers, allergy medicine, toothpaste and over 100 other items to your doorstep in 10 minutes or less.”
Uber services are available in more than 170 cities around the world.
