Why to Integrate Uber API: Benefits and Successful Cases

Since 2014, Uber has opened its API to the public. What benefits does it actually bring?

Here, we narrate more reasons and practical examples of Uber integration in your project.

Introducing Uber API

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.

Uber has 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.

REST format allows for the use of any programming language to code or modify these project parts. This means that the API of Uber can be applied in different coding environments.

Here we briefly describe what each part of Uber documentation has to offer:

• Rides 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 API — allows for the building of certain solutions for on-demand services. It has documentation about trip data, estimates, payments, ratings, etc. Please note: currently, access to the Drivers API is limited.
• API for Business — 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 API is available for enterprise clients only.
• 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.
• Trip Experiences API — connects clients with their favorite applications during their commute.

What are the reasons behind Uber opening its technical documentation?

• possibility to expand to new markets
• grow the development community
• onboard new talent and expand the Uber development team

5 Benefits of Using Uber API in Your Project

1. No need to create a new application and spend money on building an app completely from scratch.
2. No necessity to work out the tech documentation, search for taxi partners, sign contracts with drivers, solve the legal aspects, etc.
3. Possibility to solve transportation issues.
4. Opportunity to receive additional monetary incentives. Along with the public API, Uber has launched an affiliate program.
5. Possibility to share and exchange the current location to use in social networking projects or messaging services.

Top 9 Cases of Uber Integration

Let’s discover other Uber unifications with well-known companies:

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.

2. The Washington Post [additional service during the ride]
Along with reading the WP news feed, travelers can observe their trip progress on the status bar at the bottom of the screen.

3. TripAdvisor [easy to travel around]
TripAdvisor uses API to request the taxi-hailing service. This provides a complete traveling experience all inside just one app.

4. Work Hard Anywhere [find and check some destination]
This app lists key working spaces in around 12,000 locations globally. People can easily discover the best spots to work nearby.

5. BRAVO [chat and ride]
The BRAVO app helps waiters, bartenders, and other service professionals receive regular payments from their loyal clients. By incorporating 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.

6. StubHub [time management]
The StubHub app is a service that helps users keep up to date with interesting events happening in town. When you purchase a ticket to an event, you also set a reminder for a ride to the event’s location.

7. Pebble & Alexa [usage in hardware and smart devices]
Pebble smartwatch incorporates 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.

9. Momento app [journey recap]
The Momento app allows users to note and review moments of travel based on trip history.

How to Integrate Uber API into Your Business

Technically, it is not very hard to integrate Uber functionality. The process is as follows:

1. Check and research the documentation in detail
2. Study the SDKs for the necessary project platform (iOS; Android, web, etc) for the integration
3. Get registered on the Uber Developer Dashboard
4. Install the corresponding Uber SDK for Android or iOS
5. Set up and add the necessary functionality

So, how is it possible to get the most value from incorporating the API?

The actual possibility of Uber integration lies in reapplying its business model to other goods and services.

For example, you can arrange a local taxi-driving service, or build a new delivery system or on-demand solution.

Thus, Uber 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

This is a brief summary of an article published on MLSDev blog. If you would like to know more technical details and examples of Uber integrations— read the full article.