Uber to Add In-App Texting Between Driver and Passenger

Uber is headquartered in the Bay Area.

Ride-hailing service Uber announced it is adding support for in-app text messaging between a driver and his passenger.

Currently, drivers and passengers can communicate via SMS but Uber wants to improve how it provides pre-ride customer service.

“Every great ride starts with the pickup, so we’re always thinking about ways to make the pickup experience as frictionless as possible for riders and drivers alike,” the company said in a statement. “That includes helping riders and drivers connect should they need to get in touch with one another to solve for things like road closures, or to just provide information on their exact location.”

The new feature will read text messages from passengers to the driver so as to limit any distraction whilst driving. Drivers can reply in one tap to send a thumbs-up message to the passenger confirming receipt.

The system, which will roll out globally in the coming weeks, will also indicate if a message was delivered and read to the sending party.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)