Uber Canada is providing up to $148,500 in promotional codes to subsidize rides for vaccination appointments. These rides will help to reduce transportation barriers by assisting people with trips to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments within the Uber service area in Vancouver and surrounding municipalities. Uber Canada has partnered with BC211 to distribute the codes to support up to 9900 rides.
The program prioritizes the needs of people who are facing transportation barriers, such as limited options or affordability, and those who need assistance in getting to and from their vaccination appointment due to a mobility, visual or cognitive impairment.
Today’s commitment is part of Uber’s global initiative to donate 10 million fully or partially subsidized rides to vaccine sites. In Canada, Uber is running similar programs in Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto.
“Uber is pleased to offer residents across Metro Vancouver with access to transportation to and from their COVID-19 vaccine appointments,” said Michael van Hemmen, Head of City Operations in Canada for Uber. “As more people book their vaccination appointments, Uber wants to do its part to help reduce barriers for people in getting their vaccine and help keep our communities healthy and safe.”
“COVID-19 has been a challenge like no other in Vancouver, across Canada and around the world. But with vaccines on their way, there is hope on the horizon that we can come together, conquer the pandemic, and build back stronger,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “Unfortunately, not everyone can quickly visit a vaccination centre and that’s why Uber’s commitment to subsidized rides that help people get to and from their vaccination appointments is so welcome. We all need to do everything we can to remove barriers between people and safe, life-changing vaccines, and that’s what this generous commitment is all about.”
“The Surrey Board of Trade is impressed with Uber’s innovation in partnering with BC211 during this time of need to ensure that our communities in the Metro Vancouver region can get easy access to vaccination leading eventually to economic recovery and a re-opening of all businesses,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.
Uber’s commitment to subsidized rides in British Columbia builds on previous initiatives in Canada and abroad to support vaccination plans and economic supports for impacted frontline workers:
Media Contacts
Uber: Matt MacInnis, mmacinnis@national.ca, 778-628-1703
BC211: Genny Krikorian, genny@bc211.ca, 604-708-4057
SOURCE Uber Canada
