Messenger Transportation lets you hail an Uber from Facebook

Facebook has launched Messenger Transportation, allowing the social network's users to hail an Uber or, in future, other car services to help them get to their destination.

The car service is linked to the Facebook Messenger app, so anyone can request a ride from within the app, without even leaving a conversation.

To order a car service, US Facebook Messenger users can just tap the more' tab from within a conversation, choose Transportation and then choose which service they want to use.

To use Uber, which is the only service supported by Messenger Transportation at the moment, you'll have to link your existing Uber account first, or set a new one up, but this means you'll be able to communicate with your driver direct from Messenger rather than using the Uber app itself.

As an extra incentive, Facebook will be offering the first ride (up to the value of $20) for free, as long as an Uber account is connected.

To enhance security, payments are also made via Facebook and receipts are sent directly to the user's Messenger inbox.

"Technology can make all of our engagements with businesses better, and over the past year, Messenger has added integrations with select retailers, household brands and hotels to make your most common and everyday business interactions more productive," Seth Rosenberg, product manager at Facebook said in a blog post.

"Whether you're meeting friends for lunch, on your way to a concert, or running late for work, Messenger and our partners can get you to your destination faster."

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.