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Uber is launching an option on its minicab-hailing app for disabled passengers to request extra assistance in London.
The service, named uberASSIST, aims to connect people with vehicles that can accommodate most folding wheelchairs, scooters and walking frames.
The company said that more than 100 of its most experienced drivers have signed up to the scheme, and they will be “ready to give additional assistance to disabled riders”.
All the drivers involved have completed a disability equality course developed by charities Transport for All and Inclusion London.
Uber said the service, which will be available from 3pm on Tuesday, will cost the same as a journey using the lowest priced uberX.
Uber’s UK general manager, Jo Bertram, said: “We’ve been working to develop uberASSIST for a number of months and have heard from our charitable partners, Transport for All and Inclusion London, about the difficulties disabled people and people with access needs often face in accessing transport in London.
“Technology and innovation should be starting to change this. That’s why I’m proud that we can now offer disabled riders extra assistance – at exactly the same low price as our existing uberX service.
“And in the new year we hope to expand accessibility further by introducing additional wheelchair accessible vehicles to the Uber platform – on top of the hundreds of black cabs already using the Uber app.”
London’s black cabs must be fully accessible to take wheelchairs and include features such as ramps and flip down seats.
Mr Justice Ouseley, sitting in London, rejected accusations from the black cab trade that the technology constituted a fare calculation meter reserved for vehicles used by licensed cabbies.
