Uber aims to expand its travel offerings with the addition of planes, trains, and rental cars.

• This year, the U.K. app of the San Francisco-based firm will include additional transportation options such as trains, buses, planes, and car rentals.
• Uber's UK head, Jamie Heywood, stated that the company aims to be a "one-stop-shop" for all travel requirements.
• Uber will not offer these travel services directly but will enable users to book them through its app after software integrations with airlines, bus and rail operators, and car rental companies.

is driving ahead with its plan to become a travel “superapp”.

The San Francisco-based company announced on Wednesday that it plans to introduce trains, buses, planes, and car rentals to its UK app this year. This is a pilot project that could potentially be extended to other countries in the future if it proves successful.

Uber will not offer these travel services directly, but it will enable users to book them through its app after software integrations with ticket-selling platforms.

The tech giant, which may receive a commission on each booking, stated that it intends to reveal multiple partnerships in the near future.

Uber announced that the integrations will increase app usage among its U.K. users, who also have access to other ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Free Now. The U.K. is one of Uber's largest markets outside the U.S.

Uber's UK head, Jamie Heywood, stated that the company aims to be a "one-stop-shop" for all travel requirements.

"For several years, you have been able to book various transportation options such as rides, bikes, boat services, and scooters through the Uber app. Therefore, adding trains and coaches as options is a logical next step," he stated.

He stated that they plan to integrate leading partners into the Uber app to provide a seamless door-to-door travel experience, which includes flights and hotels later this year.

Uber plans to enable Eurostar train ticket purchases through the app, allowing travelers to commute from London to Paris and other cities via the Channel Tunnel.

The announcement comes after a recent win for Uber.

On March 26, Uber was granted a 30-month license to operate in London, resolving a long-standing dispute with city authorities over the company's suitability.

But the company is behind schedule on its “superapp” plans.

In 2018, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated his intention to expand the transportation options available through the app.

Heywood reportedly told The Financial Times that it was challenging to make progress as quickly as desired due to the impact of Covid.

At 6:40 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Uber's share price decreased by 1.6% to $34.40 during premarket trading.