Uber has announced the launch of Connect, a delivery tech solution enabling users to send packages and request deliveries through the Uber app in Egypt.
Uber Connect is a part of the company’s pledge to help people ‘Move What Matters’ during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a successful trial run in more than 25 cities in Australia, Mexico, Canada and the US, Uber Connect is now available in Egypt. Egypt is the first MENA country that Uber has rolled out this service.
About Uber Connect
Uber ConnectUber Connect has launched two services. The first enables users to request deliveries and send packages through the Uber app to friends and family. The second is a stop and shop service where drivers pick deliveries on behalf of users. The app helps users go about their daily activities and connect while maintaining social distancing.
Uber Connect is now available as one of the product options on the Uber app. Users can enter the location they want the package to picked and dropped at, then select “Connect” from the vehicle option requests. The packages’ requirements consist of being under 10kg and less than EGP1000 in value.
Users can ask couriers to pick-up laundry, buy groceries, and other small items on behalf of Uber Connect. The process includes contacting the store to make sure the order is ready for pick-up, select that store as the pick-up location then add the drop off point.
Delivery through Uber ConnectStatements by Uber
Ahmed Khalil, General Manager of Uber in Egypt, said “This is a proud moment for us as we add a new service to our app in Egypt, and is another first in the MENA region. Uber Connect eases senders’ daily errands, while empowering drivers with new earning opportunities. By launching Uber Connect, we are taking a step forward to accelerate our efforts to keep our community safe, which has been our goal since the start of COVID-19. Our role as a technology company won’t stop here. We will continue to evolve to effectively and sustainably define the new normal during this unprecedented time.”
Due to the substantial negative impact by the lockdown on the earnings of the current drivers, Uber has been proactively looking for ways to create more demand for drivers. Therefore, deliveries facilitated via Uber Connect, an on-demand service, are carried out on the same day by Uber Scooter drivers. Those scooter drivers who choose to opt-in will be able to receive delivery requests along with the usual rider commute requests.
