Uber announces rideshare availability in HRM starting Dec 3

Release:

As the region experiences a second wave of COVID-19 cases, we’ve decided to make our ridesharing app available so it can help enable essential travel across Halifax Regional Municipality starting tomorrow (Thursday, December 3rd) at 1 pm.

We strongly encourage local residents to adhere to the measures put in place by the Medical Officer of Health to help contain the spread of COVID-19, including limiting travel for essential purposes only. 

Where there is an essential need – like travel for frontline workers or the need to pick up a prescription – Haligonians will be able to request a safe, affordable ride through the Uber app.

Safety is at the heart of Uber, especially as we navigate the COVID-19 health crisis:

• No Mask. No Ride.: With our ‘Go Online’ checklist, riders and drivers will have to confirm that they have taken certain steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19, including the confirmation that they are wearing a mask or face cover.  We’ve provided over 1.75m units of PPE to drivers and delivery people in Canada so far.
• Mask Selfie Technology: When they go online for the day, drivers must verify they are wearing a mask or face cover with our proprietary mask selfie technology.  And for riders who have been flagged as not wearing a mask, they too will be required to take a selfie at the start of every future trip.
• Contact Tracing:  Local public officials can request contact tracing support from Uber’s Law Enforcement and Public Safety Response Portal in response to outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
• Financial Assistance: Uber offers financial support to drivers who have tested positive for COVID-19 or been requested to quarantine by a medical professional or Public Health and whose accounts have been waitlisted.
• Driver Screening: All drivers undergo ongoing background check screening processes, both before they take their first trip and as they continue to drive with Uber.
• Emergency Button: Riders and drivers can get assistance in urgent circumstances by calling 911 directly from the Uber app and sharing their GPS location and trip details with authorities.
• 24/7 Safety Support: Whenever riders and drivers need help in an urgent safety situation, they can call Uber’s trained 24/7 support team directly through the app.
• Phone Anonymization: To protect the privacy of riders and drivers, Uber’s technology conceals their phone number so they can call/text each other without seeing each other’s phone number.

We want to help move what matters during these challenging times, which is why we’re providing 2,000 free rides to frontline workers and families in need through  Partners for Care’s Helping Healthcare Heroes program and Ronald McDonald House Charities® Atlantic.

“Uber, a company that moves people, is asking you not to move.” said Matthew Price, General Manager of Uber Canada. “If your travel is essential, our app will be available for you to request a ride. If not, in line with public health guidance, please stay home. Once restrictions ease, we look forward to supporting Halifax’s recovery and growth.”

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