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Uber, the record-breaking smartphone app, has officially launched in Lahore. It helps millions of people every day to move around their city, offering access to affordable, reliable and most importantly safe rides in nearly 400 cities worldwide at the push of a button.

When asked why did Uber choose Lahore to enter first instead of Karachi, Loic Amado, Uber’s International Launcher for Middle East & Pakistan, said:

Thousands of people have already downloaded the app across Pakistan in anticipation of today. We like to say that cities choose us, instead of Uber choosing cities. The interest has been incredible in Lahore, so we are extremely excited to be launching here first. Anyone can now enjoy an affordable, reliable and safe ride at the push of a button thanks to uberGO. The competitive prices means using uberGO is the perfect option for anyone wanting to get around the city.

Uber Pakistan is launching uberGO with a cash and a credit card payment option. And for this purpose, passengers can enjoy free rides for the launch weekend. It has already hired Zohair Yousafi as the Head of Expansion. And Bramerz will its Digital Media & PR Partner in Pakistan.

What did the first app users in Lahore had to say?

The first person to try uberGO in Lahore was an actor and an International model – Mehreen Syed. This is what she had to say about her experience:

Along with Uber being a convenient way to travel, I feel reassured that I can share the details of my trip with whoever is waiting for me so they can see every minute and metre of my trip in real time as I travel. That way they know exactly when to expect me. It’s these clever little measures that make me want to travel with them.

And then what do you know, Shoaib Akhtar, the legendary cricket star, tried it too. Here’s what he had to say:

The traffic can make getting around Lahore slow-going, but Uber has the potential to help pick up the pace. Pressing a button and getting a ride in just a few minutes is amazing. And, over time, as more people use the app, Uber could help people share their journeys, which would cut congestion too.

Uber is available on all Android, iOS, Blackberry 7 and Windows smartphones. The users simply need to download the app and create a free account in order to ride.

Driver Selection Process of Uber:

Every potential driver must undergo a screening process before they use Uber, which requires their NIC, driving license, car registration, a police verification certificate and a social referral character certificate. All drives must go through comprehensive training on how to operate the app and attend a mandatory anti-sexual harassment seminar in the wake of recent happenings in the neighboring country India.

Once this is done, the successful independent drivers are connected to the riders. The drivers who partner with Uber can choose when they drive and can dictate their own schedule.

How does the Uber app work?

The app uses GPS-enabled maps to find the closest available driver, usually just minutes away. Once requested, the rider sees the driver’s photo, name and car registration and can watch on their smartphone in real-time as the vehicle arrives. They can also check whether others have had a good experience with him or her. The app notifies the rider when their driver has arrived, so you no longer have to wait outside in the dark.

Is it safe?

During the trip, riders can share their ETA (estimated time of arrival) or a live map with friends or family who can track their progress and know when to expect them. After the ride, you can also rate the driver and the drives rates you (the passenger) too, so that Uber’s safety team can check these reviews and investigate any issues. There is also a 24/7 customer support so if there is a traffic accident or a disagreement, you will be rescued in no time.

What is the mode of payment?

The customers can pay via cash or put in a credit/debit card inside the app which automatically deducts the required amount once the ride is complete.