Kolkata: Uber will discontinue its Shuttle services in Kolkata after April 2. The company mentioned this to its users in a notification. This could impact around 30,000 commuters travelling to Sector V, New Town and Rajarhat.Often people travel to these locations from Joka, Maheshtala, Kamalgazi, Howrah and Dunlop. Sources within the industry claimed that over 800 buses were being used for this service. For a trip, bus owner would be paid Rs 2500, claimed a sources. The amount would be less for mini-buses. In the last few months, the ridership had fallen. The rate of seat occupancy would be around 40% to 50%.The exit cause was not revealed by Uber. The company had stated it was strategically shifting focus towards Employee Transportation Services. They felt that the demand in that segment was more.“While Uber Shuttle will no longer be available, you can continue to rely on other Uber products for your transportation needs,” Uber wrote back to TOI on the X platform. Any unused subscription of the user will be refunded to Uber credits. This credit reversal would be done within seven working days. Support services will continue for pending payments and queries, the officers from the company said. Daily commuters are worried. “This will increase both cost and time,” claimed Aniruddha Dasgupta, a resident of Greenfield City.The decision comes at a time when both private and govt buses are going off the road due to the upcoming state elections. Other technical issues and fuel crisis are also contributing factors for the poor state of transport.Uber Shuttle services had gained traction among workers going to offices. Commuters also hoped that they would have some alternative travel options. They are rethinking about their commute.A transport department official said more buses would be added, if needed.
