Uber has taken public transport to a new level with the launch of its boat service in the Turkish capital Istanbul. This is expected to ease Istanbul’s infamous road congestion.
A mobile app can be used for the booking and transporting anything and everything through this newly launched boat service. Uber has entered into a partnership with the local transport company called Navette for this novel venture.
In terms of pricing, Uber is much more than that of the local boats which are parked at the Bebek Pier and the price can be negotiated with them too.
According to Mr Austin Kim, Local Operations Manager for San Francisco-based Uber Technologies, Uber boats have made more than 100 trips since they were launched on 25th June.
The value of Uber is more than $ 40 million and it has drawn investments from Goldman Sachs and Google.
Launched more than a year ago, Uber taxis are frequently seen on the crowded Istanbul roads though local service operator Bitaski is its close competitor.
Of late Uber has got into some legal problems and has also faced protests from the locals in France, India and South Korea.
6 to 8 passengers can be ferried through Uber boats. The charges are approximately $ 160 for a 17 km ride from Central Pier to Atakoy, near Istanbul’s airport.
