Mérida, Yucatán — Need a ride? Need special help getting in and out of that ride? Seniors and disabled passengers can now summon a car and driver that takes their particular needs in mind.
Uber expanded its offshoot uberASSIST brand in Mérida and seven other cities in the country on Wednesday.
Rates are the same as uberX, and rides are summoned on the same app. To get an uberASSIST driver, select “access” at the bottom of the screen, then tap the “assist” button.
In conjunction with the National Council for the Development and Inclusion of People with Disabilities (Conadis) and Fundación Teletón, Uber has developed a training course for drivers who learned how to fold and handle wheelchairs, walkers and crutches, and also how to use inclusive language and practical advice to assist users.
Roberto Fernández del Castillo, Operations Director of Uber Mexico, stated that “until now, mobility options have been limited for people who require additional assistance.”
Alicia Loza García, Conadis deputy general director of planning and development of public policies, said that “there is a lot to be done in the country when it comes to inclusion and mobility. The challenge we have as organizations and as citizens is to make the streets more inclusive and friendly for anyone.”
With uberASSIST, she said, it seeks to reduce the gap and offer an accessible, safe and efficient alternative for all people.
Although cars can carry up to three passengers, Uber recommends that the space for equipment used by the passenger should also be considered.
Other cities taking part in the uberASSIST rollout are Mexico City, Querétaro, Guadalajara, Puebla, Aguascalientes, Saltillo and Torreón.
More than 1,000 volunteer drivers were certified to provide the service through training at Teletón rehab centers across the country.
Source: La Jornada Maya
