Since 2014, Uber API has become open to the public. What benefits does it actually bring?
The main advantage lies on the surface. Uber API provides the opportunity to add a new user experience to your current app or utilize a taxi-hailing service around other on-demand project ideas.
Uber has worked out a complex API for years by expanding its operations and business model. This approach certainly took lots of technical and monetary resources. So, why not using this accumulated Uber API documentation?
Here, we narrate more reasons and practical examples of Uber integration in your project.
Introducing Uber API
Let’s begin our story by clarifying what API actually means.
API is an acronym for the application programming interface. This is a set of rules and mechanisms by which one application, or a component, interacts with others.
This can be better explained by comparing API to a waiter. Just like a waiter in a restaurant transfers an order from a guest to the kitchen and then serves a dish to the guest, API acts as a party that transmits and pulls the necessary data requested by a user from the application.
Uber API is a RESTful API. The REST abbreviation stands for representational state transfer. One main point that you need to remember - REST is not a standard or protocol, it is an approach or architectural style for writing the API.
The client and server are independent parts of the software including custom app development. Here, REST format allows for the use of any programming language to code or modify these project parts. This means that Uber API can be applied in different coding environments.
In a similar way, the Uber apps use Google Maps API to pull out the location data. The company experimented with other map providers, but returned to Google service.
Today, Uber API documentation represents a full-featured platform with a completely original user experience. The features include car ordering, fair price estimate calculation, ride time estimate, trip history, destination address, and so on.
Here we briefly describe what each part of Uber API documentation has to offer:
-
Rides Uber API
This API improves interaction with your current service and ability to receive extra profit. Rides Uber API offers the functionality of a quick trip request. The feature can be placed inside your app or include a link to the Uber application.
- Drivers Uber API
Drivers Uber API allows for the building of certain solutions for on-demand services. It has documentation about trip data, estimates, payments, ratings, etc. This increases productivity and simplifies the drivers’ work.
Please note: currently, access to the Drivers API is limited. If you are interested in using this API, you need to apply for access on the Drivers Product Page.
- Uber API for Business
This Uber API documentation allows for the opportunity to receive access to automation services for organizations. These include business reporting, billing systems, user management, and more.
Please note: Access to this Uber API is available for enterprise clients only.
- Uber Rush API
Uber Rush API aims to scale and modernize the logistics for on-demand services. The tool offers features like real-time tracking, signature confirmation, and more.
The early adopters of this Uber API had expressed their dissatisfaction with the inefficient feature of demand prediction. This service is currently evolving and is solely available in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Let’s keep track of more news.
- Trip Experiences Uber API
This Uber API documentation connects clients with their favorite applications during their commute. Prior to the Uber integration, the client is asked for permission to access the trip details.
What are the reasons behind Uber opening its technical documentation?
As it has a complex infrastructure, Uber’s back-end is broken down into microservices that allow it to sustain the fault-tolerance and work on different components simultaneously. Currently, there are over 10,000 apps connected to the platform and this number grows each day.
The public Uber API is another possibility to expand to new markets and grow the development community.
The constant work done on the Uber platform requires a growing number of tech resources. The company continues to onboard new talent and expand the Uber development team. Uber also holds hackathons around the world to generate interest.
5 Benefits of Using Uber API in Your Project
Basically, any application that plans to integrate maps can benefit from using Uber API. External parties can build an app with a new experience or add new functionality to their existing digital products.
Here are key reasons why you should consider using Uber API:
1) No need to create a new application and spend money on building an app completely from scratch. A greater part of the infrastructure has already been done by the Uber development team. What is left is a reasonable connection and setup of the system with the help of IT companies like MLSDev that provides staff augmentation services for different tech tasks.
2) No necessity to work out the tech documentation, search for taxi partners, sign contracts with drivers, solve the legal aspects, etc. You can simply take Uber API as one of the basics for your service.
3) Possibility to solve transportation issues. Cover the travel demand for your current clients by integrating Uber API in your app. Building on-demand delivery solutions can also be especially useful for local retailers or online shops.
4) Opportunity to receive additional monetary incentives. Along with the public Uber API, the company has launched an affiliate program. This allows one to earn credits ($5 for each new US-based user) and free rides.
5) Possibility to share and exchange current location. Uber API can be used to notify other users about your location in real-time. This information can be applied to different social networking projects or messaging services.
Top 9 Cases of Uber API Integration
One of the first Uber integrations was done by Google Maps applications. Now, the native iOS and Android apps offer a ride-hailing option to reach the desired destination. Users can check the travel price and time estimates for their trip beforehand.
Let’s discover other Uber integrations with well-known companies and check out how each of them received value from this cooperation:
1. Starbucks [direct taxi-booking feature]
A user can request a car ride with one button-click inside the Starbucks app to enjoy a favorite coffee drink while getting back home. This is a smart Uber integration as it increases daily client attendance, builds greater loyalty to the brand, and offers a new experience.
OpenTable app utilizes the Uber API in a similar way. The app is used to reserve a table in a restaurant. Therefore, along with a table reservation, users can book a ride directly to the location.
2. The Washington Post [additional service during the ride]
The Uber integration with the WP app resulted in a tailored experience during an Uber ride. Along with reading the news feed, travelers can observe their trip progress on the status bar at the bottom of the screen. Another future update lies in dropping the paid subscription during the ride, which will increase interest in the app for new users.
Similar Uber API integration has been used by Otto Radio for podcast and radio listening. Hoodline app can be used for listening to local stories and news during rides.
3. TripAdvisor [easy to travel around]
TripAdvisor uses Uber API to request the taxi-hailing service. This provides a complete traveling experience all inside just one app. Users are able to move around an unknown city and get to their desired location easily.
Similarly, Uber integration is used in the Expensify app. The app updates users with information about flights and other reservations. Consequently, the app researches landing times and informs you about available Uber drivers. This is super convenient, as it excludes the process of searching for a cab and negotiating with drivers.
4. Work Hard Anywhere [find and check some destination]
This app lists key working spaces in around 12,000 locations globally. With Uber API, people can easily discover the best spots to work nearby.
Simar Uber integration is used in the Doblet app. This service helps you find the closest charging station for your phone.
5. BRAVO [chat and ride]
The BRAVO app helps waiters, bartenders, and other service professionals receive regular payments from their loyal clients. By incorporating Uber API in the BRAVO app, it is possible to write messages, tip, or pay for provided services securely while on your way in a taxi. At the same time, you can monitor the progress of your Uber ride.
Another app called Firefly helps a user to keep up with friends. By using Uber API, the app locates your friends in real-time on a map and allows you to send them personal messages and even start group chats.
6. StubHub [time management]
The StubHub app is a service that helps users keep up to date with interesting events happening in town. With Uber integration, when you purchase a ticket to an event, you also set a reminder for a ride to the event’s location. When it gets close to the right time, you can request a ride with just one tap.
7. Pebble & Alexa [usage in hardware and smart devices]
Pebble smartwatch incorporates Uber API so that users can request their trip from the device, set their favorite destination, observe their car arriving, and even check out without having a phone in hand.
As well, Alexa, a voice assistant developed by Amazon, integrates Uber for a ride requesting service. A user can book a car using a simple voice command - “Alexa, ask Uber to request a ride.”
8. Surge app [demand prognosis]
This app is extremely useful for those who are constantly using Uber to move around, as it forecasts possible demand increases. Users can set alarms for multiple locations and among most Uber services to be notified when the demand drops.
9. Momento app [journey recap]
The Momento app allows users to note and review moments of travel based on trip history. This is possible due to Uber integration within this app.
How to Integrate Uber API into Your Business
Technically, it is not very hard to integrate Uber functionality within an application. The process is as follows:
- Check and research the Uber API documentation in detail
- Study the SDKs for the necessary project platform (iOS; Android, web, etc) for the integration
- Get registered on the Uber Developer Dashboard
- Install the corresponding Uber SDK for Android or iOS
- Set up and add the necessary functionality. For instance, place the trip request button next to the address line or any intention to book a ride predetermined by the app’s navigation
The Uber API integration may take 1-2 days or more depending on your requirements.
So, how is it possible to get the most value from incorporating Uber API?
First of all, establish a clear picture of your project idea. In most cases, you need to conduct market research and reveal the market needs you can satisfy. Based on these findings, it is possible to arrange an offering where Uber API serves as a basis.
The actual possibility of Uber integration lies in reapplying its business model to other goods and services that are in demand, which can be employed in many projects. For example, you can arrange a local taxi-driving service, or build a new delivery system or on-demand solution.
Thus, Uber API ideas for integration may be as follows:
- Beauty industry
- Healthcare service provision
- Local food & grocery delivery
- Delivery service for online retailers
- On-demand cleaning or home service
Do you have your own idea for how to use Uber API? We assume that, based on the examples and reasons mentioned above, you understand the potential use cases and benefits of Uber integration.
Looking for help with Uber API integration?
Our team can assist you with choosing the best way to integrate Uber API into your digital project in order to meet users’ needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is API?
API corresponds to the application programming interface. This is a set of rules and commands by which one application, or a component, interacts with others. To put it simply, this is when the waiter in a restaurant redirects the order from the quest to the kitchen and then serves the prepared dish to the quest.
What opportunity does Uber API provide?
By using Uber API documentation, it is the possibility to add new experience and functionality to the application in a quick and simple way. Another opportunity is to employ the delivery system around new on-demand economy project ideas.
What worldwide known companies already integrated Uber API?
Well-known companies like Starbucks added the option for their clients to request a car ride within their app to grab a favorite drink. OpenTable users benefit from the option to book a ride directly to the reserved table. Other companies like Washington Post, TripAdvisor, Pebble, Alexa, and others integrated Uber API to offer extra functionality for their users.
How to integrate Uber API into my business?
First, you need to check the availability of the documentation and study it in detail. You can find all the information on the Uber Developers website - https://developer.uber.com. Further, it is necessary to review the SDKs for the necessary project platform (iOS; Android, web, etc.) and get registered on the Uber Developer Dashboard to install the Uber SDK for Android or iOS and set up the necessary functionality.