Uber is set to start its bus shuttle service in Kolkata by March 2024 as it signed an MoU with the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, at the Bengal Global Business Summit. The ‘Uber Shuttle’ will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by reducing traffic congestion, with more people using fewer vehicles to commute.

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Uber will run nearly 60 air-conditioned buses on pre-determined routes, connecting business districts with residential areas in Kolkata. Uber has proposed to invest $100 million by 2025 in West Bengal, which will create nearly 50,000 employment opportunities in Kolkata in the upcoming five years.

These buses that will be driven by local fleet partners through Uber’s technology will have a seating capacity of 19 to 50 persons, as per News 18. The buses will run on their routes from 6 am to 10 pm everyday.

The signatories of the MoU at the Bengal Global Business Summit were Dr. Saumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, and Shiva Shailendran, Director of Operations, Uber India & South Asia.

The shuttle service is expected to benefit commuters as it will allow them to pre-book seats a week prior to their commute. Also, similar to an Uber cab, they will be able to check the live location, route of the bus, and its expected time of arrival (ETA) to reduce their waiting time.

Additionally, it will also provide the facility of cashless payments and 24x7 safety support from the transport company, consisting of a 24x7 safety line.

These buses that will be driven by local fleet partners through Uber’s technology will have a seating capacity of 19 to 50 persons, as per News 18.

Dr. Saumitra Mohan said, "Government of Bengal remains committed to improve public transport services and expand available te options to make commuting hassle free.”

Uber's Shiva Shailendran said, "We are committed to building a business which serves the mobility needs of every Indian and it’s why buses are an important focus area for us at Uber. We are very excited to partner with the Government of West Bengal to launch Uber Shuttle in Kolkata. This partnership is special as the first partnership of its kind that will bring the magic of Uber rides to buses.

"We are committed to building a business which serves the mobility needs of every Indian and it’s why buses are an important focus area for us at Uber. We are very excited to partner with the Government of West Bengal to launch Uber Shuttle in Kolkata. This partnership is special as the first partnership of its kind that will bring the magic of Uber rides to buses," Shailendran added.