Uber partners with Hong Kong firm to launch its first premium service outside US

Uber has entered into a partnership with Hong Kong's Kwoon Chung Bus to launch a premium service called Uber Elite, marking the first such offering outside the United States. The service, which will provide pre-booked rides in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for up to six passengers, includes features like uniformed chauffeurs, airport meet-and-greet services, and complimentary amenities such as Wi-Fi, snacks, and charging stations.

Estyn Chung, Uber's general manager in Hong Kong, explained that the premium service was developed in response to customer requests for a higher-end offering, particularly from business clients. Kwoon Chung Bus's Timothy Wong Cheuk-tim emphasized the growing demand for personalized, high-quality travel services in Hong Kong, where the company operates.

He noted that the new initiative would involve 15 to 30 drivers from the company's limousine department, all of whom have undergone training and assessment for the premium service. The cost of such trips is expected to be in the high three-digit or low four-digit range. While the move has been welcomed by lawmakers for its potential to cater to high-end customers and support Hong Kong's tourism and business sectors, a local legislator clarified that the partnership does not influence Uber's push for a larger permit quota under the upcoming regulatory regime.

Brief written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's own syndicated text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.