Just When You Thought It Can't Get Worse...Uber Announce Booking Through FaceBook Messenger...by Jim Thomas

Uber to allow users to "hail " minicabs directly from the FaceBook Messenger app.

The new service means Messenger users will be able to ask for an minicab without leaving the Facebook software. 

Users will not need to download the Uber app separately. (So are Uber now venturing into the instant hail cash market....is this legal)

"Uber on Messenger" began in parts of the US this week, the two firms said. 

The companies announced their new venture via separate blogs. 

Facebook has some 1.5 billion users globally and Uber is the world's biggest minicab-hailing app in terms of financing.

Facebook explained how the service will work in this video.

The two-step process involves tapping an address in a message or the car symbol in Messenger's menu of options and then selecting "Request a ride".

Uber will then send updates on the status of a car through Messenger.

If successful, the partnership between the firms will give Uber access to many new and potential clients - Facebook's Messenger app has some 700 million users worldwide

Editorial Comment: 

Obviously both Uber and FaceBook operate internationally. However, if they try to introduce this service in London, they will come up against a number of legislative regulations....not that Uber have taken a blind bit of notice of legislative regulation in the past, having the luxury of being supported by TfL's licensing department, who have consistently bent the regulations to suit Uber's operation. 

We asked if FaceBook were licensed as a PH operator; 

We then asked TfL if this service were to take off in London, what action would they take; 

Going in past performance, to be honest, these answers don't really put our fears to rest.

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