Floating to work could now be a possibility in a congested city like Mumbai in India, where commuters spend hours stuck in traffic jams especially during the months of monsoon.
According to the Boston Consulting Group’s estimate, Indian commuters in cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata lose more than $22 billion annually to road congestion.
They are spending 1.5 hours more than commuters in other Asian countries.
Global ride-sharing company Uber may have a solution to their problem.
In Mumbai, the company has launched UberBOAT service to beat the traffic in one of India’s most congested cities, in partnership with the Maharashtra Maritime Board.
Customers can now book speedboats to three destinations from the Gateway of India, using the Uber app that will allow them to book six to eight-seater boat or a 10 plus seater vessel for a little more than $100 and upwards, depending on the size and capacity of the boat.
But the service comes with a catch. Customers cannot reserve individual seats but will have to book an entire boat.
Prabhjeet Singh, the Head of Cities, Uber India & South Asia said, “We aim to provide efficient and easily accessible services to riders who are looking at navigating through these specific routes.”
“With this service, boat operators will be able to gain access to Uber’s highly engaged rider base and enhance their earning opportunity,” he added. 
Gateway of India, Mumbai Source: Facebook
With UberBOAT, the company is expecting to reduce travel time and tap into newer possibilities.
“As pioneers in the organized on-demand transport system, Uber’s vision is to create a multi-modal platform to better serve riders and the cities we operate in. With Uber Boat, we will tap the vast potential of the city’s waterways transport system,” said Mr Singh.
The company claims that all boats will be equipped with best safety features including lifejackets, emergency contact details, printed collaterals along with a manual explaining safety instructions.
Uber Boat currently operates in Croatia and Turkey.
In addition, the company has also provided temporary water transport in Sydney, Baltimore, Boston and many more during special events.
Uber is not the only aggregator that has expanded from the streets to the straits.
In November 2015, the cab-hailing giant’s rival Ola also temporary ferries to rescue people from the floodwaters in Chennai in southern India.
In addition, Blade, a helicopter app for the wealthy is also due to launch its water transport service in India in December this year.
