Uber is now offering discounted trips to all NHS staff and those working in care homes as they carry out their heroic work during the coronavirus crisis. This is to ensure they can get to and from work safely without putting themselves at further risk.
The new Uber Medics service will enable all NHS staff as well as those working in care homes in England and Wales to access 25% off discount on trips taken - and this will be funded by Uber.
NHS staff members can visit www.uber.com/ubermedics to learn more about Uber Medics and access their discounted trips.
This is in addition to the 200,000 free rides and over 100,000 meals for NHS staff that Uber has donated and announced back in March.
Over 36,000 NHS staff took an average of five and a half free trips on the Uber app in the first two weeks of April. Jump e-bikes from Uber continue to be free for NHS staff too.
Through their personal accounts in the Uber app, NHS staff will now be able to book discounted trips from today by linking to their NHS email address. Individual care homes will need to sign up to an Uber account to ensure that staff can access the discounted trips.
The Uber app is available on Apple and Android devices.
From every Uber Medics trip taken, 100% of the fare will go to the drivers who are supporting the healthcare heroes during this challenging time. The discount on Uber Medics fares is fully funded by Uber, as Uber pays part of the fare on the rider’s behalf.
Jamie Heywood, Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, Uber, said: "Healthcare staff and everyone serving in care homes are working tirelessly to protect, treat and care for those affected by coronavirus. We have responded to the request of the Government to provide transportation support for those serving on the frontline. We all have to play our part to help respond to the coronavirus crisis."
Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, said: "Our heroic health and social care staff are on the frontline in the battle against this virus. I have been overwhelmed by how the whole country has come together and is united in standing behind them. Uber is playing their part by ensuring they have access to safe and reliable transport and I applaud them for showing their support."
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive, Care England, said: "Uber has recognised the important role that social care workers play on the front line. Transportation is a really important issue for care workers to be able to be in the right place at the right time. This initiative will help ensure that care homes have enough staff on call, and that they are available at short notice".
Uber has also introduced measures to ensure that every driver can access the PPE they need for free to drive safely with Uber. As well as providing drivers with free sanitising products, Uber is providing drivers with over one million free PPE items, as well as directly reimbursing drivers if they choose to source the required PPE themselves.
All drivers will be able to choose if they take Uber Medics trips. By providing their consent, they agree to wear masks and other vital PPE equipment.
