Cab aggregator Uber, on Thursday, announced the launch of its global flagship electric vehicle service Uber Green in Bengaluru. The initiative allows users in the city to choose low-emission ride options that connect them with hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
Karnataka Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge flagged off the first Uber Green vehicles from the Bengaluru Palace on the sidelines of the Bengaluru Tech Summit. "Improving air quality in Bengaluru is our collective responsibility. This launch by Uber endorses our commitment to a Green summit. We have taken tangible steps that pave the way for impactful and meaningful changes in the long run and foster a culture of sustainability," Kharge said.
Uber said Uber Green is now available in several parts of the city, including most of central Bengaluru, and that it will soon be extended to more parts of the city.
Starting Thursday, riders in many parts of the city will see the Uber Green option on their app.
According to the cab aggregator, each Uber Green trip in a hybrid or electric vehicle produces at least 55 per cent fewer carbon emissions than the average trip.
You can select the Uber Green option at the bottom of your mobile screen after you confirm your pickup and destination addresses on the app.
Drivers on an Uber Green trip will receive the same fare as an Uber X trip, the app aggregator said.
Uber India President Prabhjeet Singh said Uber had an "unwavering commitment" to sustainability and that Uber Green was a step towards that. "The launch in Bengaluru marks our second stop in the country for Uber Green. It is already operational in Mumbai where many riders are using it."