It’s been a long road for Canadians, with most of us waiting at home for vaccination numbers to increase, and for restrictions to lift. Now, as the country begins to slowly re-open, Uber is ready to get into gear and help get people moving again. 

We’ve thought about the best way to help drivers, riders, and communities move through recovery, and we’re excited to share a few ways we’ll be bringing this to life with new products and offers. 

Creating more earning opportunities for drivers

A year ago when riders stopped riding, drivers continued to move frontline workers to and from shifts, and help complete essential trips. But some drivers stopped driving because the demand had decreased significantly. Now, as cities re-open and demand increases for rides, there’s an opportunity for current and new drivers to receive boosted earnings, and earn even more while working with Uber. To meet this demand, Uber is looking for 30,000+ drivers to sign up across the country and get cities moving again. Earnings have been on a steady upward trajectory, with last week showing some of the highest median earnings recorded. For anyone interested in driving with Uber, we can’t wait to hear from you. You can sign up here. 

New and convenient ways to get Canadians moving

After a year of limited travel, we know that Canadians need more options to be able to conveniently get where they need to go. That’s why we’re rolling out some new products for users, their friends, or their furry family members to get anywhere they need to go.

UberX Reserve will take scheduled rides to the next level, and allow riders to plan and confirm their trip with UberX up to 30 days in advance, with an on-time guarantee. If you’ve indicated a favourite driver, we’ll aim to match you together for the trip. UberX Reserve will roll out across Canada this summer. 

And we know that Canadians have spent a lot of time with the people or pets of their household this year, so we want to make sure that when they start to travel, no one gets left behind. We piloted Uber Pet last year to some users in select cities, and this month we’re excited to roll out Uber Pet to a handful of cities across Canada. (Riders with service animals don’t need to use Uber Pet, as drivers have a legal obligation to provide service to riders with service animals.) 

Lastly, Eats Pass is re-launching to become Uber Pass to include both delivery and ride benefits. Members receive unlimited $0 Delivery Fee, savings on eligible restaurant and grocery orders, and exclusive monthly rides perks. It’s $9.99 a month (plus applicable taxes), and will roll out this summer in cities where Uber or Uber Eats is available.   

Unlocking more value for communities across the country

We know people are excited to get together, but we want to help this transition run safely. As groups begin gathering, and visits to favourite local restaurants and bars come back into play, Uber is partnering with MADD to help Canadians return home safely and responsibly. New riders who sign up with Uber from now until the end of the year will receive up to $15 off their first ride with code MADDCANADA21. 

“As people are able to get out and about more, and as social gatherings begin to resume, we’re asking everyone to renew their commitment to never drive impaired,” said MADD Canada National President Jaymie-Lyne Hancock. “We can celebrate the start of things returning to normal while also keeping our roads and communities safe from impaired driving. Plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home—plan on taking an Uber.”

Canada—we’re finally ready to return to the things we love. So dust off your tennis shoes, get ready to book your haircut, and make plans to celebrate your birthday (and last year’s too). Your ride awaits.