Uber's app integrates transit in first-of-its-kind partnership with RTD

Feb. 1, 2019

Denver customers will now be able to see transit options when using the Uber app, creating an end-to-end travel experience.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver and Uber have partnered on the first in-app integration of transit options. This allows Denver riders to see and consider transit routes within the Uber app.

Trip planning is the first of two notable transit-related features being added to the Uber app. Soon, Denver riders will be able to purchase and use RTD tickets through the app.

RTD CEO and General Manager Dave Genova noted that the transit agency is uniquely positioned to be the regional mobility integrator for metro Denver. He explained that establishing partnerships with providers such as Uber enables the transit agency to best meet the needs, demands and expectations of a growing population, at a time when the industry is in a state of change.

“Our customers want their trips to be as seamless as possible, and a collaboration like this one allows them to plan for travel from end to end, including additional first mile and last mile options,” Genova said. “RTD is pleased to work with Uber as we present riders with additional, complementary options to most efficiently reach their destination.”

This is Uber's first in-app integration with public transit and Head of Transit David Reich said the company is excited it's happening in Denver.

“Uber shares many of the same goals as the cities we serve, and our team is committed to addressing the same challenges: reducing individual car ownership, expanding transportation access with more options and working with transit agencies to innovate,” said Reich.

Accessing transit information within the app is designed to be easy: After riders enter a destination, they will see “Transit” as an option in the product selector. Upon selecting the “Transit” option, riders will be able to see available transit routes, real-time schedules, and walking directions to and from transit stations.

Moovit provided the transit APIs for Uber app’s new integration. Reich said the data enables real-time transit data and route planning in the Uber app. Masabi is working with Uber on the ticketing integration, which will utilize Masabi's Justride mobile ticketing SDK.

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.