Uber’s CEO announced on Facebook the company completed its two-billionth ride in mid-June, coming shortly after investors poured $3.5 billion into the international ride-sharing business.
It took Uber five years to reach one billion trips, but only six months to reach two billion. The private company is valued at more than $62 billion and is spending heavily as it expands internationally. Travis Kalanick, Uber’s CEO, said 147 Uber rides started simultaneously in 16 different countries to push the company past the one billion rides mark.
Uber raised $3.5 billion from Saudi Arabian investors at the beginning of June and has raised billions in additional investment over the last two years. The service is now in 450 cities around the world. The two billionth ride comes as Uber works aggressively to add new drivers to its fleet and attract new riders.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com