Commuters will soon be able to pay for Uber rides in cash. The ride-sharing service has announced that it is currently experimenting with the option in Johor Bahru, although there are plans to expand the feature to the rest of Malaysia.
The pilot project is only just rolling out, so not everyone will be able to see the option right away. Those that do will be able to select the “cash payment” option when hailing a ride; after which they are expected to hand the payment directly over to their driver at the end of the ride. Uber says that the feature should roll out to all riders over the next few weeks.
Uber has experimented with cash payments in other markets, with India being the primary market for the feature. At the moment, several countries already support the option; most of which are located in the developing world where cash is still the dominant payment method.
Leon Foong, General Manager, Malaysia, Uber said, “Cash is the dominant payment option for residents and visitors in cities across Malaysia. Uber’s goal is to provide safe, reliable, affordable and convenient transportation at the push of a button for everyone, everywhere within minutes. With the introduction of this cash payment test, our technology becomes instantly accessible to more people in Johor Bahru. We’ve just completed two years in Malaysia and we’re excited to continue to deliver new solutions to meet the evolving needs of our rapidly growing consumer base.”
Uber is currently encouraging riders to provide feedback on the cash option through support.johorbahru@uber.com and on social media. New users will be able to use the promo code UberCashJB to get RM15 off their first ride; whether it is being paid for by credit card or cash.
