Uber kicks off uberAUTO service in Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESHWAR: Uber, the smartphone app that matches riders with drivers, today launched uberAUTO in the state capital Bhubaneswar, coinciding with the state's formation day -- Utkal Divas.

"In line with our vision to provide technology-backed, low-cost smart mobility solutions, uberAUTO has been launched in Bhubaneswar, the city that recently topped the smart city list," a release from Uber said.

"Auto-rickshaws play a big part in city transport, and uberAUTO will help transform the existing transportation options by using the best-in-class technology."

UberAUTO service was inaugurated by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena. Also present were Priyadarshi Mishra, MLA, Bhubaneswar North, and Krishan Kumar, BMC Commissioner.

Jena said, "The Smart City project is a priority for Bhubaneswar and we welcome initiatives like uberAUTO which provide smart mobility solutions. Such solutions will make travelling in the city safer as well as more affordable and convenient for citizens of Bhubaneswar."

Ashwin Dias, General Manager, Uber East, said: "We are excited to launch uberAUTO in Bhubaneswar - India's top smart city. Auto-rickshaws are a key part of the city and with our new service, uberAUTO drivers will spend less time waiting for passengers, thereby earning more income each day."

UberAUTO is an affordable transport option priced at Rs 15 base fare at Rs 3/km plus Rs 1/minute. A typical trip from Sailashree Vihar to Railway station will cost Rs 80 while a trip from Naypalli to BMC Mall will cost Rs 50, the release said.