//

Drivers selected for uberASSIST will be trained to understand and meet the commuting needs of the riders

An uberASSIST driver helps Singaporean para-athlete Theresa Goh out of the car. (Image Credit: Uber)

Ride-sharing company Uber is introducing a new service to cater to the disabled, handicapped and elderly, according to an official release.

Called uberASSIST, Uber will send drivers who are considered ‘top partners’ for a training course with urban consultants LevelField. The training will impart these drivers with knowledge on the safety requirements of people who require help to move around, to assist riders into vehicles and handle folding wheelchairs, walkers and scooters.

The launch comes in the wake of the Singapore Asean Para Games Organising Committee (Sapgoc)’s announcement to use public trains as the primary mode of transport for athletes with disabilities during the para games in December, and Sapgoc’s subsequent clarification that the para-athletes need not take trains if they choose not to.

Also Read: Uber launches third-party regular taxi-booking app in Singapore

“I think it’s important to have many public transport options for the varying types of abilities and mobilities of people with disabilities. I’m glad that Uber has come into the mix in providing an affordable and accessible option for people with disabilities,” said Theresa Goh, a Singapore national para-athlete.

The launch of uberASSIST is in partnership with the Disabled People’s Association of Singapore (DPA) and supported by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre. uberASSIST will serve an estimated 110,000 Singaporeans who have some form of disability, according to the National Council of Social Service.

“With Singapore all set to host the 8th ASEAN Para Games in just over a month, our hope is that uberASSIST will also serve as a reliable mobility option to many of the 3,000 brave young athletes during their time here,” said Chan Park, General Manager of Uber, Southeast Asia.

The post New Uber service to assist differently abled and elderly commuters appeared first on e27.

from e27 http://ift.tt/1WjjNdt