Uber announces acquisition of public-transit software firm Routematch

Around one month after Uber Technologies Inc. announced the acquisition of Postmates to strengthen the food delivery business, it seems that the ridehailing giant is looking to expand its reach into the public transit sector. In the recent move, Uber has reportedly acquired Routematch, an Atlanta-based firm that offers software to transit companies in order to offer SaaS-related services to cities.

According to sources familiar with the knowledge of the matter, the deal will combine Uber’s expertise in on-demand, real-time transportation with Routematch’s solutions for cashless payments, paratransit, trip planning services, and fixed-route tools.  

The acquisition will help Uber to better work with transportation agencies to assist them in moving away from fixed routes for their public transportation services to on-demand, real-time dynamic systems.

The acquisition also aimed at improving transportation networks across cities. The company will leverage its public data and route expertise to improve mass transit offerings, which can help to decrease traffic.

In addition, this acquisition will give residents more expedient ways to book fares through Uber's platform. The deal is the part of the company’s plan to become an essential service provider that people will rely on for travel, whether it is bus, car, train, or electric bike and scooter.

From the past few years, the ridehailing giant has been partnering with numerous public transportation agencies across the globe. The company partnered with The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority ( MBTA) to offer paratransit service in Boston. The company is also working with the city of Nice, France, to offer late-night connecting service to rail lines right from the Uber app.

On the other hand, Routematch has been partnering with both small and large transit agencies, starting locally in the United States and expanding globally. The company is aiming to develop sustainable mobility ecosystems for cities across the globe.

 Source Credit - https://www.futurecar.com/4034/Uber-Acquires-Software-Company-Routematch-in-its-Push-to-Support-City-Public-Transit-Services