On Wednesday December 16, Facebook began to let users hail Uber cars straight from it’s Messenger app. This is part of Facebook’s push to expand beyond communication and the social network is also in talks with Lyft about a similar integration. For Facebook and Uber, this is a big announcement.

How riders can order Uber through Messenger

Once you upgrade to the latest version of Facebook’s Messenger App, you (or your future passenger) will be able to click on “Transportation” under the three-dot more menu, below where you currently write your messages.

Once you click on the “Transportation” or the car icon, you’ll be able to add your pick-up location and destination. You’ll also be able to choose the type of car you want: uberX, uberXL, etc. UberPOOL is not available within Messenger.

After you request the ride, here’s what to expect, according to the Facebook announcement:

“[After you request], you’ll receive updates on your driver’s status and notify your friends that you’ve called a ride. With the ability to request, track and pay for a ride in Messenger, we’re making transportation as simple as sending a message.”

All driver status updates and payments are done directly in the Messenger app, and the app also notifies friends of the estimated time of arrival. No longer do you have to go back and forth between Messenger and the Uber App – it’s all done in one place within Messenger.

Getting $20 in free ride credit to try this out

According to Facebook’s announcement as well, for a limited time, you’ll get $20 in credit, good for 1 ride, when you try out the Messenger and Uber integration. So, if you want to make friends with your passengers, tell them about the Facebook integration. And try it out yourself!

As for the ability to use this with Lyft, it’s not in place yet. However, a source close to TechCrunch said that Lyft may begin their integration with Facebook starting in January.

What’s in it for Uber and Facebook?

For Facebook, they’re trying to expand beyond communication and catch up to some of the Asian messaging apps, such as WeChat, that have deeper integrations with service providers.

According to the NYTimes coverage of this announcement:

“For much of the last year, Facebook has been gradually trying to make Messenger more than a communications app.”

Facebook wants users to do more when they’re engaged in the app, such as ordering a ride after they’ve just made plans with someone.

For Uber, this is also an extension of their open API integrations that make it easier for passengers to order rides. Uber anounced their “Uber API” in the fall of 2014, and used examples such as ordering directly from the United Airlines app.

For drivers, the more potential ways for passengers to order, of course, the better, and this has been a major focus of all rideshare companies. For example, Lyft recently announced the ability to order rides through Slack.

Have you tried out the new integration yet? What do you think this will do for you as a driver, and as a passenger?