NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, OCT 1
Uber announced a partnership with HelpAge India, an NGO dedicated to serving the disadvantaged elderly, for providing 1,000 free rides a month across Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai, a company release said.
Uber will provide these free rides from October to December 2020, while ensuring maximum safety for the underprivileged elderly so that they can access healthcare, rescue, and other relief measures.
The announcement also raises awareness for and supports the International Day of Older Persons, observed on 1st October every year. This year the IDOP will draw attention to the higher risks confronted by the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic and address their special needs.
Speaking about Uber’s efforts, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India, and South Asia, said, “We are thrilled to partner with HelpAge India. At Uber, we are deeply committed to supporting vulnerable underprivileged elderly people, one of the communities most affected by the pandemic. To ensure that they are safe and healthy during these challenging times, we will increase awareness of their special needs and continue to support projects that improve the lives of those who have nurtured and supported millions of Indians.’’
Speaking about the partnership, Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India, said, “We are delighted to partner with Uber towards building an age-friendly and caring society. HelpAge India’s National Elder Helpline team across several cities is reaching out to them in times of emergency, responding to the needs of the destitute elders. Access to mobility has been a big challenge in providing timely response and at such a time, this partnership with Uber will enable us to provide timely support to the needy elders as well as our workers and volunteers.”
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Uber has launched multiple initiatives to support local authorities, civil society organisations, State Governments as well as Chief Minister’s Offices. As a part of this initiative, Uber supported Robin Hood Army’s Mission 30 Million projects, one of the largest food relief efforts by civic society. It also facilitated over 280,000 free trips to the National Health Authority (NHA) as well as various city and State Governments across the nation for transporting thousands of frontline healthcare workers and volunteers. These free rides were a part of the larger global commitment made by Uber to donate 10 million free rides and food deliveries to healthcare workers, seniors, and people in need.
