Uber, bKash partner to provide contactless payment option for riders
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People who avail ride sharing service Uber can now pay their bills through mobile financial service provider bKash.
The two organisations signed a deal to this regard on Monday, said Uber in a press release.
The Uber said some 45 million local users will be benefited through bKash payment as it would ensure their security.
The long-awaited partnership aims to enhance rider experience and safety by making the payment process contactless, convenient and secure as riders resume travel after a lengthy lockdown, it said.
The partnership will give millions of Bangladeshi riders the convenience of seamlessly taking Uber rides, without the inconvenience of carrying cash or worrying about exact change.
The Uber said bKash’s digital payment option will take care of all transactions without any manual intervention once the bKash wallet is added as a payment method on the Uber app.
This method will help users avoid transaction lag in case of poor network, gateway timeouts, or insufficient balance.\
The partnership with bKash is a first of its kind for Uber in Bangladesh and is a big step on its journey to increase digitised payments on its platform.
Commenting on the partnership, Nandini Maheshwari, director, Business Development, Uber, APAC, said, “We applaud the impact fintech leaders like bKash are having in Bangladesh and are pleased to partner with them to expand payment options for our riders.”
“During the ongoing pandemic and especially as cities start moving again, we understand the importance of safer, cashless transactions to help maintain physical distancing. With this partnership we hope to promote more digital transactions, reduce cash dependency on the platform and improve the country’s digital financial infrastructure.”
Mizanur Rashid, chief commercial officer, bKash, said, “The automatic payment options provided to Uber rides by bKash will bring more relief to customers during this pandemic. The experience of this new digital payment facility will further drive the adoption of uninterrupted ride-sharing services. The payment service for world leading ride-sharing company Uber will enhance the existing network of diversified digital payment solutions and services bKash provides to local consumers.
Uber is the first ride-sharing company to commence operations in Bangladesh in 2016. Now it is providing services in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Cox's Bazar.