Uber has already spent over two years in Bangladesh. Can you share your experience leading the company during this period?
In two years of operations here, we have helped strengthen an already vibrant entrepreneurial culture by creating employment opportunities for driver partners and have provided millions of rides to our loyal customers. We want to lead the transport services sector in Bangladesh and provide financial growth for its citizens.
We have grown quite fast, along with a number of competing ridesharing services. Uber is now available in three cities of Bangladesh: Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet.
What is your take on the transport sector of the country?
I believe the sector is doing well, although there are certain obstacles that we are trying to overcome. However, we are proud of transforming the transport sector of Bangladesh, by cutting back travel time, reducing congestion, and improving ride quality.
What are Uber's future plans for Bangladesh?
Although we are now working in three divisional cities, we are also getting a huge response from other parts of Bangladesh. We are preparing to expand our services to the entire country.
We want to further improve our service. We are confident that Uber will continue winning the hearts and minds of millions of Bangladeshis. I would like to thank our business partners, riders, and driver partners for their support. Uber Bangladesh will also continue to strive for excellence and growth in this market.
How many customers are currently using Uber in Bangladesh?
As of November 27, 2018, we have had more than 100,000 driver partners, and nearly 2,500 weekly sign-ups to drive on Uber. In fact, Bangladesh is expected to contribute 25% of Uber’s growth in the [South Asian] region in 2019.
On average , the Uber app is opened 155 times a minute in Dhaka. 22% of Dhaka’s population has used the Uber app at least once.
What kind of safety features does Uber offer?
Uber Bangladesh provides its riders and driver partners with insurance coverage in case of any mishaps on a trip. Another feature is the Safety Center—a built-in partnership with law enforcement—where riders can find safety tips.
Uber Bangladesh has also introduced the Trusted Contacts feature which allows riders to designate up to five people as contacts with whom they can share their trip information. Riders can modify the settings to share all trips, night-time trips, or none at all. This new feature will make it easier to ensure that riders arrive safely at their destinations.
Furthermore, an emergency button has also been provided so that riders have direct access to emergency hotline 999. Uber was the first ride-sharing company in Bangladesh to integrate the government’s helpline number in the app starting in August 2017.
Do you have any plans of reducing your rates?
Our rates are already very competitive, and pricing is based on demand and supply.
Do you think Uber drivers adhere to traffic rules?
Yes, we always urge them to strictly maintain all traffic rules. We train all driver partners on traffic rules and take steps against any rider who violates them.
How does Uber protect the personal information of customers collected through the app?
We have world class security and strictly maintain confidentiality. There has been no misuse of personal information of Uber's partners or riders.
