On 6 October, uberASSIST was launched in Newcastle and the Central Coast as part of Uber’s mission to make transportation as reliable as running water, everywhere, for everyone. The uberASSIST option is designed to provide additional assistance to members of the community with different accessibility needs. Top-rated uberX driver-partners undergo specific training prepared by the Australian Network on Disability to help those requiring an extra hand get from A to B.

Newcastle uberASSIST Driver-Partners
Newcastle’s finest driver-partners

Several of Newcastle’s top uberASSIST driver-partners attended the launch event hosted by local disability support provider Life Without Barriers. In the sunny gardens surrounding the Life Without Barriers Community Centre on Parry St, Uber’s NSW General Manager and Life Without Barriers’ Director of Social Innovation formally announced the launch of the uberASSIST service in the region, welcoming a new transportation option focused on improving accessibility for community members.

Henry Greenacre and Geoff Aigner
Henry Greenacre and Geoff Aigner speaking to media and driver-partners

Local news covered the launch as well, promoting the new service in print and TV media. Newcastle reporter Mike Lorigan tagged along with rider Catherine on the first official uberASSIST trip. Catherine learned of uberASSIST through her association with Vision Australia, and was thrilled to be the first uberASSIST rider in Newcastle. Click on the image below to check out her ride!

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Interested in riding or driving with uberASSIST?

Learn more at t.uber.com/assistau

 

Now anyone who has a folding wheelchair, walking aid or collapsible scooter can push a button and get a ride in minutes, and we look forward to working with the Government to help more members of the community access the benefits of ridesharing in the coming weeks and months.  – Henry Greenacre, General Manager, Uber New South Wales

The new uberASSIST offering is a great example of businesses developing innovative ideas to give people with disability greater choice and control in their day to day activities. It will mean that people who require additional physical support have more opportunities to access suitable transport to assist with their involvement in the community, and for some people it will help increase their independence. This type of customer-centred community support is integral to what Life Without Barriers strives to achieve, and we believe it will have a positive impact on people in the region.  – Geoff Aigner, Director of Social Innovation, Life Without Barriers