Uber launches UberHIRE in India, where the taxi waits while you explore a city

Global online cab-hailing app Uber on Monday launched “UberHIRE”, a time-based service available on-demand and which will let users explore and travel around cities knowing their cab will wait for them. After a successful pilot run in Kochi, UberHIRE will go live on Monday in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vizag and Nagpur with more cities slated for launch in the weeks to come. “UberHIRE is one such product that addresses the unique commuting needs of riders in India, especially that of tourists, business travellers, senior citizens and working professionals by letting them book an Uber and use it for upto 12 hours,” Apurva Dalal, Head of Engineering, Uber India, said in a statement. At the end of your trip, the total fare is calculated based on the distance and duration of the trip. People can pay in cash and receive an e-receipt. You can hold onto your cab for up to 12 hours. Minimum fare ranges between Rs 449-649 for two hours and up to 30 km. After this, users will be charged at Rs 2 a minute and Rs 12 a km. Pricing and cancellation charges might vary from city to city. Dynamic pricing will not be applicable, the company said. IANS