MUMBAI, 8th June 2025- Uber made its largest rider-centric update in recent years on Tuesday when it unveiled a set of India-specific features aimed at making commuting more accessible, affordable, and customised. The change demonstrates Uber’s increasing dedication to customising mobility for Indian users, as evidenced by its improved airport pickup experience, ONDC metro ticketing, and senior-friendly app interfaces.
With over 1.4 million drivers operating in 125 cities, India is one of Uber’s fastest-growing regions worldwide. The new features, many of which are already live and others scheduled to roll out through 2025, are intended to meet a variety of user needs.
According to Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India & South Asia, “India continues to be one of our fastest-growing markets.” “These features are designed to serve a wide range of needs—from daily savers to those who want more comfort and convenience. Whether it’s a metro connection or a reserved airport ride—we’re raising the bar on everyday mobility.”
One of the most significant additions is the “Wait & Save” mode, which is currently accessible in over ten cities and allows users to trade longer wait times for less expensive fares—ideal for those with flexible schedules. The feature serves as a counterpoint to Uber’s premium “Go Priority” offering and gives users more control over the price-speed tradeoff.
Uber is also betting big on multimodal travel. After a successful pilot in Delhi, the company’s integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) now allows riders to book metro tickets directly through the Uber app. The feature is expected to expand to Chennai and Mumbai in the coming weeks, creating what Uber calls a seamless “door-to-door” travel experience inside one platform.
Looking ahead, Uber plans to launch a “Price Lock” feature in December 2025, allowing riders to pay a nominal upfront fee to lock in fares on their most frequent routes. The move is designed to offer stability during peak hours or periods of high demand, particularly in congested metros where dynamic pricing often fluctuates sharply.
Accessibility is also a key theme in this rollout. “Uber for Seniors”, set to launch in July 2025, reimagines the user interface with larger buttons, simplified booking flows, and real-time trip tracking by family members. The offering is designed for older adults who seek independence but prefer an interface tailored to their comfort with technology.
Meanwhile, in response to the growing demand for large parcel delivery, Uber has introduced “Courier XL”, which allows for the transportation of goods up to 750 kilograms—a significant jump from the earlier 5 kg limit. The feature is currently live in Delhi NCR and Mumbai and is positioned to serve both personal and business needs, including furniture and appliance delivery.
For pet lovers, Uber has begun offering “Uber Pet” in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The ride option, available only on reserved bookings, allows passengers to travel with a dog or cat. Drivers are informed in advance, ensuring smoother communication and greater comfort for both rider and driver.
On the premium travel front, Uber is upgrading its airport experience with “Airport Priority Access”, now live in Pune and Hyderabad and slated to launch soon in Mumbai and Noida. The feature allows users to step directly from the terminal into their waiting ride, reducing post-flight wait times and friction.
Complementing this is “Uber XL Plus”, a newly introduced service in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad that guarantees larger vehicles such as the Toyota Innova for riders travelling in groups, with heavy luggage, or those who simply want more room.
The rollout reflects Uber’s strategy of deep localisation in India, moving from a generic global template to a modular platform built around hyperlocal mobility challenges. From price-sensitive college students and large families to pet owners and senior citizens, the update caters to a more segmented user base than ever before.
“These innovations aren’t just about features—they’re about removing friction from how India moves,” said Singh. “We want to give riders more control, more value, and more dignity in every trip.”
As competition intensifies with homegrown players and public mobility platforms like ONDC, Uber’s approach now hinges on serving every kind of commuter with contextual, time-bound solutions. With several features already live and more on the horizon, the company is signaling its intention to lead India’s evolving mobility landscape—one rider segment at a time.
