Uber launches intercontinental service

Uber has launched a new intercontinental service this week.

According to the Verge, the users can now hail an UberBoat to take them across the Bosphorous, the strait that divides the European and Asian halves of the city.

The company says in a blog post that users will see UberBoat service offered whenever they are near the waterside. The speedboats are owned and operated by a Turkish company Navette.

Rides could cost anywhere from roughly USD 20 to USD 150 depending on the destination.

Uber faces some competition for transportation across the Bosphorous. In addition to the public ferry, there is an underground metro and two highway bridges that shuttle millions across the strait daily.

Uber entered Istanbul last year with its traditional car-hire service.

Uber earlier introduced an on-demand boat service.

Last summer, Uber offered ferry services around Boston in partnership with Boston Harbor Cruises, but the temporary service ended once the seasons changed.