Uber Adds Translation Tool To In-App Messages For Indian Drivers And Riders

Uber is attempting to help drivers and riders communicate better. On Thursday, the company rolled out an app redesign including a language translation tool that riders and drivers can use in texting. This means when the rider and driver don’t speak the same language, they can still communicate in the Uber app.

Previously, in-app messaging appeared in the driver’s language. But the new tool will allow both parties to translate a message into their own language. This tool will support over 100 languages.

On a Thursday blog post, the ride-hailing firm said that they expect the tool to be the most helpful for those who don’t speak English as their mother tongue, including riders traveling abroad and drivers.

In September last year, Uber merged its Uber Eats app into its ride app, putting the food delivery offering front and center. At the time, Dara Khorowshahi, chief executive officer at Uber, said that the redesign was one of the steps where the firm makes its platform the operating system for people’s daily life.

Apart from the translation feature, the new redesign of the Uber app will also provide passengers with further information on their ride status as they are waiting for the drivers to come to pick them up. Specifically, riders will see notifications such as the time left for the driver to come, the pickup location, as well as instructions on navigation on big venues like concert arenas or airports.

The company said that in the redesign, in-app texts are also more visible and more comprehensible when drivers are nearing arrival. And when the rider is about to get to the destination, they will also get reminders about exiting the vehicle safely.

Uber will release the new features to global users soon.

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