Uber agrees alliance with Facebook

Uber has agreed an alliance with Facebook Messenger that will allow users to order a ride from within the Messenger chat app.

The tie-up gives Uber access to millions of potential new users and marks the first time that Messenger – for which Facebook has ambitions ranging from retail to concierge services – has ventured into transport.

Uber is the biggest ride-hailing company in the world in terms of funding, with about $12 billion (€11 billion) raised so far – even as lawsuits relating to its treatment of drivers and compliance with local laws work their way through courts in many countries.

The San Francisco-based company’s Facebook Messenger service, initially released in 10 cities on Wednesday, will be rolled out across the US before Christmas, with the goal of expanding internationally next year.

Uber would not disclose whether there was a revenue-sharing agreement with Facebook as part of the deal.

Uber has been working on extending the reach of its service beyond its standalone app.

– Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2015