Uber top executives meet PM Modi, Discusses about Uber aerial taxi services

A ride-sharing company Uber and its top executives met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and showcased its futuristic aerial taxi services under Uber elevate. Uber executives have also reportedly discussed, how a multimodal mobility platform can play a major role in the economy, and reduce the pollution and congestion around the country.

Eric Allison, Head of Aviation Programs, Uber and Nikhil Goel, Head of Product, Aviation met the PM, during the meeting he apprised the PM “of the potential of Uber Elevate, showcasing the exciting future Uber Air can bring to the region and to the world.”

“Allison also highlighted the importance of a strong foundation for the next generation of innovations, including eVTOLs, carpooling and autonomous vehicles,” Uber said in a statement. Uber is also busy meeting with some ministries such as civil aviation, as well as local authorities and thought leaders to explore options.

“Uber is committed to partner the government in this mission to Move India forward. I am very excited to be in India and to be discussing the future of urban mobility with one of the most visionary leaders in the world today, PM Modi,” Allison said during the meeting.

Uber has already named Dallas and Los Angeles as its first two launch cities in the US and has been on the prowl to select an international city as its third partner. A ride-sharing company, headquartered in San Francisco, aiming to target metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.

“Uber has already said it hopes to start operating demonstrator flights in 2020 and begin commercial operations in 2023 in the three cities, depending on the regulatory clearances.” It believes that its aerial service has tremendous potential to help create a transportation option that bypasses congestion, instead of adding to it.

Uber Elevate will also take into account the third criteria of local commitment, where it will work with respective governments and communities to make the dream project a reality.

Uber plans to use vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for the service. A fancy video by the company depicts the future scenario where riders book an aerial ride from their smartphones and hop onto the VTOLs via helipads atop a high-rise.

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