Uber Starts Motorbike Service in Thailand

Thailand’s famously motorbike-clogged streets are getting a new twist on car rental service: Uber is bringing a motorbike rental option to its services.

Called UberMOTO, the service is available in Thailand right now, as a trial service, in the Sathorn, Siam and Silom areas. The pilot program, if successful, may stick around as a permanent feature.

Rather than book a car, users in Bangkok can select a motorbike ride option. As with car drivers, the motorbike operator’s name, photo and bike details appear once a ride is booked. Drivers have undergone an extensive screening process, just like those who operate UberX and UberBLACK.

Rates start at ฿10 + ฿3.50/km + ฿0.85/min. The minimum fare as well as cancellation fee are both ฿10. UberMOTO drivers are required to carry helmets for their riders.

Uber cites the traffic congestion in Bangkok as part of its motivation, quoting statistics that say more than 1,500 new cars are added to the streets of the massive city every day, which is more than double the number of a few years ago. Naturally, that means commutes have slowed, and traffic speeds are now under 16 kilometers per hour, and just 11 kilometers per hour during rush hour. The average daily commute now takes 120 minutes.