Uber and Lyft are expected to offer free passenger rides to anyone traveling to or from the Covid-19 vaccine centers in the US.
They will be available in the next two weeks using taxi company applications until July 4 as part of the government’s efforts to increase vaccines, the White House announced on Tuesday.
It comes as demand for jabs in the US has declined in recent weeks.
‘Best Hope To Beat The Pandemic’
An Uber manager said: “Vaccines are our best hope to beat the pandemic”
Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi added: “This is a time of pride for me, for Uber, and for our country. More and more Americans continue to be vaccinated every day – let’s move forward, together.”
President Joe Biden said he would like to see 70% of US adults receive at least one dosenof the vaccine during the July 4 Independence Day celebrations.
Vaccination Drive
As of Monday, 46% of Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The new programs come at a time when America’s demand for vaccines has dropped dramatically, forcing those in power to find new ways to encourage people to be vaccinated.
Free travel from the ride sharing apps has been highlighted by the White House as part of efforts to help roll out vaccines.
Free Ride Initiative
And they will not be paid by the government to transport people to and from the sites, but said they will bear the costs themselves.
The new feature will launch in about two weeks for both apps, which will allow customers to find a code they can use to ride to or from the vaccine after providing certain information.
Uber and Lyft have previously announced free rides at vaccination clinics will be available to at-risk communities lacking health care and transportation at increased risk of Covid-19.
But a new offer will be available to all US residents through the appointment of a vaccine.
Lyft said that its code would cover $15 (£10.60) each way, and it expects that would cover “most, if not all, of riders’ fares”.
One of its founders and president John Zimmer said: “Vaccination is the key to making us all go again, and we are proud to do our part to move the country forward.
“We have always believed that transportation has the potential to improve people’s lives, and this makes this even more realistic than before.”
An Uber spokesman told the BBC that more details would be announced in the coming weeks.
Both transport firms have also confirmed that the offer will not affect drivers’ compensation on their way home.
