Uber and Penguin Random House Launch 'UberReads' on Electric Shuttle Buses

Uber has collaborated with Penguin Random House to provide a selection of popular books and best-sellers on its electric shuttle buses in Delhi-NCR. The month-long initiative, named 'UberReads', aims to encourage commuters to read while traveling. The premium service offers pre-booking, cashless payments, and safety features.

Uber has partnered with Penguin Random House to offer a selection of popular books and best-selling titles on its electric shuttle buses in Delhi-NCR.

The month-long 'UberReads' initiative will see these EV buses plying through some of the most frequented routes between business districts and residential areas. Uber received a license from Delhi Transport Department to operate Uber Shuttle under the Delhi Premium Bus scheme in mid-May, with initial pilot operations in Delhi-NCR.

Currently, Uber Shuttle's air-conditioned buses run on more than 50 routes in Delhi, serving 40,000 monthly active users. An extension of this service has been operational in Kolkata since last year through an agreement with the West Bengal government.

According to Uber, the new electric shuttles will be equipped with books from Penguin Random House India to encourage reading among riders. This premium service allows pre-booking seats up to a week in advance, cashless payments, live location tracking of the bus via the Uber app, and access to a safety helpline.

Commuters can pick a book during their journey and are expected to return it before alighting. Amit Deshpande, Head of High Capacity Vehicles at Uber India and South Asia, emphasized that 'UberReads' aims to promote wholesome choices. Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO of Penguin Random House India, SEA, and MENA, expressed excitement about the partnership.

(With inputs from agencies.)