Technology

Uber acquires Routematch

July 16, 2020

Routematch’s capabilities across paratransit, payments, fixed-route tools and trip planning services will complement Uber’s global on-demand mobility expertise.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

Uber has acquired Routematch in a move the company says moves a vision to make “individual car ownership a thing of the past” closer to fruition.

Routematch brings more than two decades worth of global transit agency work that delivers on its mission to create sustainable mobility ecosystems that leave no person behind.

"Uber’s acquisition of Routematch is about supporting transit agencies to expand equitable, accessible and efficient public transportation globally," said David Reich, head of Uber Transit. "Since 2015, agencies around the world have been using Uber's mobility platform to complement transit systems so that riders can stay more connected through first- and last-mile programs and services, like Journey Planning and digital ticketing in the Uber app. Routematch's trusted reputation was also built on the success of its industry-leading software and we're thrilled they're joining Uber to accelerate a shared vision of leaving no rider behind.”

“We are proud to be part of Uber and excited that the biggest benefit to this is public transit,” said Pepper Harward, CEO of Routematch. “We look forward to collaborating and building inclusive and sustainable mobility ecosystems that can transform communities worldwide.”

Uber says the acquisition brings together its expertise in on-demand, global mobility technologies with Routematch’s proven capabilities across paratransit, payments, fixed-route tools and trip planning services. Both companies believe it will create new innovations that make it easier for agencies to provide the right transportation solutions to their riders, through an expanded suite of technologies.

In a joint letter discussing the acquisition Reich and Harward said, “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.”Uber says inclusive transportation software can help transit agencies deliver more value for riders, businesses and communities.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.