RideCo and Uber Technologies Inc. have announced a newly formed partnership to offer transit agencies overflow (TNC) options.

The technology integration enables agencies to scale and implement alternative transportation options while minimizing organizational demands and disruption to their existing network.  

"We are thrilled to announce this partnership and integration with Uber as it enables even more expansion options for customers and it demonstrates the positive impact of public-private partnerships," said Prem Gururajan, founder/CEO at RideCo. "This means transit agencies can easily scale up and down based on demand and provide even greater convenience and equity for riders, while proactively managing cost structures."

What the RideCo-Uber Integration Provides

Using RideCo's technology, agencies can provide a more personalized mobility option for their customers with convenient booking options, increased coverage, and reduced wait times.

"Together, Uber and RideCo are helping agencies achieve greater operational efficiency and higher productivity while enhancing rider equity," said Jen Shepherd, GM of Uber Transit. "This partnership is a real win for transit agencies and the paratransit community, as we continue to extend the benefits of our technology to provide people of all abilities increased access to transportation."

Agencies typically use their own fleets, or a third-party fleet provider to provide a combination of fixed route and on-demand services. The new RideCo-Uber integration provides agencies with even more flexibility in how they choose to offer transit services.

They can leverage the efficiencies that RideCo's software provides for all fleet alternatives while flexing service options with Uber to provide overflow services for after-hours ride requests, low-density areas, rider choice, and even support peak demand.

The integration between the two platforms can be configured to agency-specific business regulations, ensuring overflow is optimized for the appropriate use cases while leveraging dedicated fleets where they are best utilized.

Having Uber integrated within the RideCo platform simplifies the booking, payment, and ride-tracking process for both riders and the transit agency as they no longer navigate multiple applications.

Eligibility management is built directly into RideCo's platform as well, where agency staff can manage who has access to overflow options with bespoke conditions.

Uber's Recent Partnerships

This partnership follows recent news from Uber, as the company continues to team up with transit agencies across the U.S.

Spare and Uber recently unveiled a partnership that integrates Spare's cloud-based on-demand transit platform with Uber's extensive driver network. The collaboration empowers transit agencies to enhance microtransit and paratransit services using Uber's network.

VIA Metropolitan Transit, Uber, and Masabi announced the launch of transit ticketing available for Uber users in San Antonio.

Uber Transit Ticketing, powered by Masabi’s Ticketing SDK, will enable riders across San Antonio and Bexar County to buy tickets and ride within the Uber app.

In May, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) announced a partnership with Uber Technologies Inc. to expand its options to include real-time transit information, journey planning, and ticket purchase, through integration with Masabi, within the Uber app.

Uber has added COTA public transit information in-app so both COTA and Uber rideshare customers can compare more of their transportation options within the Columbus area, according to COTA's news release.