Uber these days is called the lifeblood of the personal transportation industry. In a world where transportation can be messy and overpriced, and where no incentives exist for drivers to take shorter routes, Uber cab service has shown the world what personal transportation could be like. Whether the ride-hailing company fails or sails through, its presence is enough to help steer a large and powerful industry at the forefront of innovation.
Uber has been expanding to incorporate the various forms of personal transportation aside from its regular cab-hailing service. Let’s take a look at some of these.
UberYACHT
Despite its reputation, Dubai has more to offer than seven-star hotels and indomitable luxury. It offers the simple pleasures of getting off the mainland – the opportunity to see the world’s on some of the most expensive yachts. Enter: UberYACHT.
Uber cab service is now offering yacht rentals in Dubai for 300 AED, or $82. The price includes free Uber rides to and from Marine Pier 7, where UberYACHT’s are anchored, food and drinks, and on-board DJ music provided by global beach-club brand Nikki Beach.
Christopher Free, Uber’s Dubai general manager, says the new service is an extension of the success of the ride-hail company’s on-demand helicopter service at Coachella, Sundance, and in Manhattan. “At Uber we are constantly innovating our services. We want to be more than just a leader global technology app, we want to provide experiences at the push of a button.”
UberCHOPPER & Uber Helicopter
Uber has also partnered with Airbus to offer on-demand helicopter service. The service was, first tested three years ago in New York, flying customers between Manhattan and the Hamptons. It tested with the helicopter rides at the Cannes Film Festival, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival.
Last December, it was launched exclusively for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A ride costs around $600 each for a ride from a helipad at Yas to the Grand Prix gates. It also experimented with on-demand chopper rides at the Coachella this year.
UberAuto
In 2015, Uber introduced UberAuto, a new category for hailing auto rickshaws. In a country where autos are seen as the cheapest and most ubiquitous form of transportation, Uber saw a big win. Although, the service was suspended a few months after its launch.
UberBOATS
Last year, the ride-hailing service for boats, UberBOATS was launched exclusively for Art Basel. The Uber-like service for boats costs $35 to $650 and allows you to up to five friends. It is also experimenting with the service by allowing users to book 90-minute cruises at various harbors near Lake Michigan. Unlike ride-hailing services by Uber, users cannot book a cruise and have it ready in 15 minutes. Users have to book cruises in the available time slots listed on the company’s site. It is also offering sailing lessons for $650.
The company has also offered UberKITTENS (for kittens), UberIceCream (for ice-cream), UberHEALTH (for flu shots), and UberPuppyBowl (for puppies) at various points.
Uber has become the poster child of operational innovation. Despite all of its problems, its branding and exploitation of modern technologies has provided a clean solution to the once messy personal transportation industry. Its global expansion in such a short time span is incredible. It’s “hail and go,” for Uber cab service. There is no stop sign in sight.
