Update – October 2022: Following the announcement of masks or face coverings no longer required on ridesharing apps, Uber has updated its COVID safety policies. Masks are no longer required on Uber, and the front seat is back in use.

In line with updated government health orders, Uber driver-partners will have to wear a face mask or covering under Level 2 restrictions. We are also strongly encouraging Kiwi riders to wear a mask when travelling via the app as well. 

For driver-partners, we are adding a new Face Cover Check to help confirm that they are wearing a face cover or a mask before they can start using the Uber app. First, before a driver-partner can go online, they will be asked to confirm that they’ve taken certain safety measures such as sanitising touchpoints in the vehicle and that they are wearing a mask or face cover. Secondly, new in-app technology will verify if the driver-partner is wearing a mask by asking them to take a selfie. Once the ‘mask selfie’ is confirmed, they’ll be able to go online and accept trip requests. 

We are asking riders to also wear a mask when travelling using the Uber app. Driver-partners in Auckland, and across New Zealand, provide an essential service. It’s important that everyone does their bit to help keep driver-partners safe so rides remain available for those who need them.

As has always been the case, if driver-partners feel uncomfortable picking up a passenger for safety reasons, they can also choose not to accept or to cancel the trip. This includes if they have safety concerns because the person is not wearing a face covering. 

We’re also providing information to driver-partners on how to access QR Codes to display in their vehicles from Thursday. It’s important to note though that unlike anonymous forms of transport, every trip on the Uber platform is GPS tracked and no trip is anonymous. That means that throughout the pandemic we have been able to work closely with public health authorities to help with contact tracing. We can also temporarily remove an individual’s access to the Uber app, based on the advice of health authorities, if there is a risk of spreading infectious disease. 

The wellbeing of every Kiwi using the Uber platform is a key priority for us, and we have a dedicated team working around the clock to support them the very best we can.