Nothing is constant. We have heard of this adage numerous times and Google proves the point with the stirring move of evicting Uber from Google Maps!
It is no longer possible to book Uber rides directly on Google Maps.
A user can still look up the route in the Maps app and then request the ride from the Uber app, but she cannot book a ride with Uber directly from the Map app. The option has quietly disappeared from both the Android and iOS versions of the mapping app, though the iOS version had faced the brunt earlier.
The ride-sharing integration to Google Maps was done by Google in 2014. Accordingly, Uber was offered as an alternative to the regular driving, pedestrian, and public transit options. In early 2016, Google Maps opened the doors to some of Uber’s rivals, adding a Services tab to the interface. Depending on the country of operation, the companies offering riding services varied.
In early 2017, Google Maps integrated Uber trip bookings, allowing the whole ride to be managed from within the app. The positive scenario soon changed when during last summer, Google quietly removed the Uber feature from its iOS app. It, however, kept it running on Android.
Now Uber has been completely evicted from the Google Maps. The change raises curiosity, more so as Google remains silent on the issue.
The eviction was definitely intended as a service support page update clearly reads, “You can no longer book Uber rides directly in Google Maps. But you can still look up the route in the Maps app and then request the ride from the Uber app.”
By taking this step, Google Maps has effectively demoted Uber to the same standing as Lyft, Gett, Juno and other competitors. Google never offered direct booking on these services, and now Uber follows the suit.
We just hope amidst all this, the users do not face any travel hassles.
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