Uber offers 50,000 free rides to Red Cross Society as COVID support

Uber has offered 50,000 free rides to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society for transporting frontline healthcare workers, elderly and citizens from vulnerable communities to vaccination hubs in support of the government’s drive to inoculate the nation.

Uber’s free rides will also be deployed to transport frontline healthcare workers to multiple hospitals, including the National Hospital of Infectious Diseases, during the ongoing lockdown, the taxi- hail riding app said in a media release this week.

The initiative is a part of Uber’s global commitment to provide 10 million free or discounted rides to ensure that transportation is not a barrier to getting the vaccine and to help authorities in trying to contain the pandemic.

Commenting on the partnership, Health Minister Pa vi th ra Wanniarachchi, said, “We truly appreciate Uber’s commitment to offer 50,000 free rides to the Red Cross in Sri Lanka to support access to vaccination centres for senior and vulnerable citizens as well as frontline healthcare workers, who are saving lives. These will not only facilitate safer mobility options for those who need it the most, but also support our country's fight against the COVID19 pandemic. Publicprivate partnership such as this, plays a critical role in removing barriers to access to healthcare, and helps people stay safe.”

Speaking about the init i at ive, Dr. Mahesh Gunasekara, Director General, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, said, “These rides will facilitate transportation of the vulnerable and senior citizens as well as our volunteers and frontline healthcare workers, who are working round the clock to save lives and inoculate our citizens.”

Commenting on the association with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber, South Asia, said, “We ’ re thrilled to be partnering with the Red Cross for offering mobility support to frontline healthcare workers, who are working selflessly to get Sri Lankans vaccinated and helping keep our communities safe. We truly believe that mass vaccination is key to overcoming this pandemic and remain committed to supporting authorities in their life saving efforts.’’