Uber on Tuesday announced the launch of ‘Uber Essentials’, to facilitate travel for essential services like visiting a hospital or a pharmacy, in five cities.
“To facilitate the essential travel needs of citizens Uber Essential is now available in Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Nashik and Hyderabad,” the company said in a statement.
“With the full consent of authorities, this limited mobility solution has been providing efficient and reliable transportation for riders only to essential locations. All riders on Uber Essential are mandated to carry relevant documentation to validate their purpose of travel to authorities.”
“Uber Essential drivers have been specially trained and issued curfew passes to ensure seamless movement. Uber Essential riders will also receive reminders through in-app messages and emails about basic steps they can take to help prevent the spread of the virus. “
Uber services will be made available for essential services. Earlier the company had tied up with Flipkart to provide delivery of essential goods, and had also launched UberMedic for the transport of healthcare workers.
For Uber users in Bengaluru, Gurugram, Nashik, Mumbai and Hyderabad, availing the feature is as simple as opening the app and checking its availability. "Uber Essential riders in Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Nashik, Mumbai and Hyderabad can open the app to check the availability of the service in their area and accessible locations nearby. The App has been designed to facilitate urgent travel needs to essential service areas only," the company said.
“Given the anxieties and disruptions to our daily lives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, staying indoors and safe is the need of the hour. But, we understand the need for essential travel, especially given the significant drop in public transportation options, to access critical places like hospitals, pharmacies etc,” Uber said.
