On December 2, over 300 driver-partners joined us for lunch, customer service classes, and an update on Uber’s Urban Partnership (UberUP) in East Hartford.

Over 263 men and women from Hartford have started driving with Uber since UberUP launched in Connecticut in June of 2015. What’s more, in only 6 months, the number of driver-partners in urban communities in Connecticut has grown to nearly 1,000.

The Greater Hartford NAACP, Capital Workforce Partners, and Transportation Committee Vice Chair Representative Angel Arce joined us in East Hartford to share the positive impact that Uber has had in Hartford and the economic opportunity it can provide.

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“This partnership between the NAACP and Uber is a win-win for communities both here in Hartford and across the state. By increasing access to safe and reliable transportation and giving people real economic opportunity, we make our neighborhoods better places to raise a family.”

–President of the Greater Hartford NAACP, Imam Ansari

“With Hartford’s high unemployment rate, and with a large baby boomer generation near retirement – who may not be ready to fully retire, Uber is a good source of income for those who like people and like to drive,”

–President and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners, the North Central Connecticut Workforce Development Board, Thomas Phillips

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“There are many priorities this session, but one of them is to make sure Uber can operate so you can continue to support your families.”

–Transportation Committee Vice Chair Representative Angel Arce

Diane Wadsworth, a Windsor Locks resident who has been driving with Uber since June shared her perspective on driving with Uber:

“It’s been a pleasure driving for Uber. I’ve been a driver partner since June, and the extra income and flexible schedule has really benefitted me. I’m not one to sit around the house, and the Uber platform has given me the chance to meet interesting people and earn a little extra money.”

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Diane, Hartford driver-partner since June 2015, speaking to current and prospective driver-partners about her experience with Uber.

Current and prospective driver-partners from all around Hartford County stuck around through the afternoon to mingle and master 5-star skills with Donald Thomas from Career Resources. His 15-minute skill-building sessions offered tips on customer service including interacting with customers and how to communicate with customers.