Recently, Uber in Pakistan has announced the launch of Uber Connect, a delivery tech solution that allows the customer to send/receive packages and request deliveries using the Uber app. The additional services provided by Uber will further support the increasing community of customers and drivers who have come to depend on the technology company, more specifically as the country deals with a second COVID-19 wave.
Uber Connect is the new interface of Uber Delivery that was released earlier this year in Pakistan, in acknowledgment of newer consumer demands produced under countrywide lockdown measures. Comparatively, Uber Connect is a more refined and diverse new delivery product which will offer two types of services: one where users can send packages to and from friends and family, and the second one is a stop and shop service like Delivery, where drivers can pick up deliveries on behalf of the users from nearby stores and pharmacies. Facilitating users’ day-to-day activities through the app, Uber Connect aims to keep users connected while encouraging social distancing.
Saad Naveed Pall, General Manager at Uber Pakistan said, “Pakistan is among a handful of countries across the Middle East and Africa to launch Uber Connect, based on the success of our delivery service earlier this year. We are proud to be able to use our technological expertise and innovation to design new services that not only bring convenience to the users but also offer better economic opportunities for drivers. The launch of Uber Connect is a part of our continued efforts to keep functioning in the new normal while keeping our communities safe, and we will continue to move forward and evolve with the changing consumer trends.”
“Similarly, once we realized that people were spending more time at home and needed assistance getting everyday groceries and medicines, we were quick to launch Uber Delivery, which my team accomplished within seven working days. On the whole, while ride-hailing did get impacted by the pandemic, we have managed to adapt our model to the varying demands and have also been seeing an increase in the volume of our business now,” he added.
Uber has been proactively looking for ways to create more earning opportunities for current drivers who have been impacted by the pandemic lockdown. Therefore, as an on-demand service, deliveries sanctioned via Uber Connect will be carried out the same day by Uber Moto drivers, who will be able to receive delivery requests, as well as the usual rider commute requests.
Uber Connect is currently accessible in 3 cities – Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad and can be availed from the Uber app. Packages must be under 15kg in weight, under PKR 3,000 in monetary value, and securely sealed by senders for a successful delivery. Senders can also ask couriers to purchase groceries, laundry pick-up, or other small items on their behalf via Uber Connect.
Uber Connect is now available in Pakistan, following its successful introduction to countries across the world including Egypt, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.
Talking about other players in the Pakistani market who are involved in similar services, Saad responded, “Pakistan is a country of close to 200 million people, and even with all of the key players combined, the ride-hailing industry still poses as a massive opportunity in the country. It offers enough room for all the players to grow and thrive, and that is what we have witnessed during the pandemic as well, with the way ride recovery occurred and the success of Uber Delivery.”
Image source: Wired
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