Uber takes next steps in SaaS venture with new acquisition

As a next step to become a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider for transit agencies, Uber has announced the acquisition of Routematch, a software provider serving more than 500 transit agency partners in urban, suburban and rural communities around the world.

Uber has been partnering with public transportation agencies around the world since 2015 with the aim to build more efficient, accessible, and equitable public transportation networks.

This new acquisition is said to bring together Uber’s expertise in on-demand, mobility technologies and Routematch’s capabilities across paratransit, payments, fixed-route tools, and trip planning services to create new innovations that make it easier for agencies to provide the right transportation solutions to their riders, through an expanded suite of technologies.

“Public transportation will always be a vital artery that connects people to their cities and towns. But as many have told us, there are many challenges that simply did not exist when fixed route services and systems were created decades ago. We believe that inclusive transportation software can help transit agencies deliver more value for riders, businesses, and communities,” David Reich, Head of Uber Transit, and Pepper Harward, CEO of Routematch, wrote in a statement.

“We are extremely excited to bring together ideas, products, and insights from our team’s collective expertise. As allies of public transit, we look forward to finding new ways our technologies can improve transit riders’ end-to-end experiences, and expand accessibility even further for those who need it.”

An example of a recent SaaS Uber partnership was with Marin Transit to launch an on-demand transit service for San Francisco Bay’s Marin County.

The partnership sees Marin Transit pay Uber a subscription fee to use its management software, encompassing trip requests and matching, plus fleet tracking. It was said to be the first example of Uber venturing into a SaaS partnership.

The service will offer county residents expanded mobility options to and from doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit stations and more.