Google removes Uber integration in Maps with no explanation

In January of 2017, Google made getting an Uber ride easier than ever by integrating Uber directly into Google Maps. However, for reasons currently unknown, Google just removed that integration.

Previously, you could look up a route for a ride-sharing trip and compare pricing from various services, including Uber. If you decided that taking an Uber was what you wanted, you could book the ride right in Google Maps (assuming you set up the integration with your Uber account previously). This amalgamation of services made it so users didn’t even have to open the Uber app to book a ride.

Now though, that service integration is gone – and we have no idea why.

Neither Google or Uber made any official announcement on the matter, but Google’s support page relating to the “Request a ride” feature within Google Maps now says this:

“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.”

One possible explanation for this is that Uber doesn’t want users to be able to book rides without using the Uber app. If that is the case, then this integration removal has nothing to do with Google at all.

However, another possible explanation is that Google pulled the service after the string of negative press Uber has received over the past year, which Uber is still trying to rectify through new app features and staffing shake-ups.

It’s possible that Google or Uber could make an official announcement explaining the feature removal, but for now, you’ll have to use the Uber app directly if you want to book a ride through that service.

Or you could just use Lyft, which still has Google Maps integration and has a much better company track record.

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