Passengers Can Now Compare Uber Fares Via Google Maps Update

The inclusion of the new options to help users compare ride-sharing fares of other cab companies has challenged Uber.

Google is threatening Uber. The American search company has included a way in its Map app for users to compare the fares at Uber and its competitors share rides. Users in some states will be provided an opportunity to find which service is cheaper so that they take decision while choosing. This is an example of the increasing transit details through Google Maps beyond the common driving directions.

Earlier, the mapping application of the company offered ride-sharing details beneath its transit tab just from the driver at the bottommost of the options list, including train and bus routes. Users were unlucky if they were interested in knowing the fares by the company’s rivals.

Now, when a user conducts a search to find out directions in Brazil, he/she can tap on the button and view fares for Uber and its rival, 99Taxis. The mapping company adds other partners in four other states, including Hailo in Spain and Britain, Ola Cabs in India and mytaxi in Spain and Germany.

Gett in Britain will be added to the new version of Maps, but in North American region, Google has not done similar inclusions. Uber technologies continues to be the only option while its competitor Lyft is absent in a conspicuous manner. The only new option users in Mexico, Canada and US will be able to use is to compare fares for the basic facility of the transporter, black car-ride, and carpooling.

In 2013, Google venture division has invested $258 million in Uber, but a year ago, it worked on a ride-sharing app that will battle with Uber. Bloomberg reported in December that Google aimed to develop its autonomous cars division a separate business under its parent Alphabet. For a long time, its autonomous cars would be turned by it into a cab service.

Smaller rivals to the navigation application of the technology company are also making effort to turn into one-stop platforms to help people move from one place to another. Xerox, well known for its copy making business, has developed an application designed to make travel around Los Angeles faster, cheaper, and convenient.

The platform of Xerox powers an iOS application known as Go LA and Android. For appealing more Uber drivers, the taxi service provider has announced a pilot program on March 17, 2016, named Instant Pay for cab drivers to immediately receive earned cash via third party mobile app known as GoBank. 

Only available in specific cities to begin, the program is launched three months after rival Lyft unveiled a similar facility known as Express Pay.