Uber Connect: Uber India’s New Package Delivery System

Uber, the major ride-hailing company was badly affected by the COVID pandemic. But during this second wave lockdown, it was able to revive its revenue by rendering a remarkable contribution in supporting COVID affected communities. In May 2020 Uber had decided to set up a new initiative called, Uber Connect, which literally connected people during the home isolation days.

Uber Connect enables the user to transport necessary items like non-prescription medicines, groceries, medical devices and packages to family and friends. This new startup is safe and threat-free since the digital payment methods reduce the contact between the delivery agent and customer to almost zero.

A package, to be eligible for delivery via Uber Connect, should be less than 5Kg. it should be packed and sealed securely and should not include items like alcohol, illegal items or recreational drugs. Uber Connect delivers packages on a two-wheeler and hence it is mandatory to keep in line with these rules.

Uber has succeeded in providing jobs to many youths who had lost jobs during the pandemic. The young adults who required a job became the delivery agents of Uber. They delivered food, medicines and other essential items for those who were locked in their homes. Thus their mission has achieved a humanitarian value.

Uber Connect tries to deliver the available materials to those who require them but can’t access them due to their own limitations and lockdown. By collaborating with Cov-Aid’s (Citizen Support Initiative based in Kolkata) mission, Uber has provided meals to COVID patients and their families who are in quarantine and helpless. Thus it acted as a bridge that connects the needy to the resource.

Uber had to face a difficult situation during the pandemic with its cabs losing all the demand and Uber Eats becoming the main source of revenue. With Uber Connect, it is trying to generate more revenue. After the demand for this service increased, Uber Indian has promised to double the number of employees. It has expanded its service over 26 cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.