This Thursday, millions of Brits will head to the polls to vote in the General Election .
In the hopes of making it easier for everyone to reach their polling station, Uber has announced that it’s offering free rides for wheelchair users, disabled and older people.
Uber has joined forces with Scope, Whizz-Kidz, Transport for All and a number of local organisations, to ensure everyone can cast their vote.
Jamie Heywood, Regional General Manager of Uber in Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “We believe that everyone should be able to have their say, so we’re delighted to be working with organisations like Scope, Whizz-Kidz and Transport for All to offer free trips to and from the polls this Thursday.”
On Thursday, trips to and from polling stations between 07:00 and 22:00 will be free, up to £10/trip.
Existing users of Uber Access and Uber Assist will be given a special code to access two free trips to and from polling stations in seven UK cities.
This includes trips in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and Brighton.
Kirsty Hoyle, CEO of Transport for All, said: “We are pleased to share this opportunity from Uber with our members, a long-standing idea from their team which intends to offer a free and accessible option for disabled and older people to vote in the upcoming election.
“Too often disabled people are isolated by societal barriers that limit their opportunities to participate in the parts of life that others take for granted and we hope this encourages everyone to get out and vote.”
The news comes shortly after Uber announced that it’s giving all NHS staff free rides or Uber Eats meals this Christmas.
Mr Heywood added: “UWe all know someone who works tirelessly over Christmas to keep the NHS running and this is our way of saying thank you.
"For the third year, we’re offering NHS doctors, nurses and support staff a helping hand to get to and from work at Christmas time, when public transport is limited. This year, it’s fantastic to extend the offer to provide a free meal to help make those shifts a little easier."
