The Busy Brains
28 May 2023
Uber has collaborated with GeM (government e-marketplace) to provide cab services to government ministries, departments, agencies, and PSUs. Learn about this partnership and the benefits it brings, including fixed prices, zero cancellation charges, and no surge pricing.
Ride-hailing giant Uber has joined forces with the government procurement portal GeM (government e-marketplace) to offer cab services to personnel from government ministries, departments, agencies, and public sector units (PSUs).
According to a report by YourStory, Uber has initiated the service on a pilot basis and intends to gradually expand its availability to all government ministers, departments, agencies, and PSUs.
Unlike other services, Uber will provide the cab service at a fixed price, ensuring zero cancellation charges and no surge pricing.
Uber has successfully registered on the GeM portal, which was launched in 2016 by the commerce ministry to facilitate transparent government procurement of goods and services by central ministries and departments.
At the GeM portal, cab and taxi services rank as the second-highest category of services in demand by government departments and ministries.
An Uber official stated that an authorized person in each ministry or department can add riders or officials who will be able to book the service through the Uber app on their mobile phones.
"The authorised official can add or delete the name of riders as per the requirements. After availing the service, the bill will directly go to the department," said the official.
Officials will experience cashless and cardless rides, and additional vehicle categories, namely GeM Yatraa Hatch and GeM Yatraa Sedan, have been included for government riders. Additionally, an hourly rental option will be available for multiple stops.
The report also highlights that GeM boasts over 63,000 government buyer organizations and more than 62 lakh sellers and service providers, offering a wide range of products and services.
Currently, the portal allows government departments, ministries, PSUs, state governments, and central armed police forces to conduct transactions.
The GeM portal encompasses various product categories, including office stationery, vehicles, automobiles, computers, and office furniture. Additionally, it lists services such as transportation, logistics, waste management, webcasting, and analytics.