Uber and Lyft Set To Offer Special Rides To and From COVID-19 Vaccination Centers

May, 2021 - By WMR

The U.S. government confirmed a collaboration with Uber and Lyft to offer free and discounted rides to and from the COVID-19 vaccine centers.

Uber and Lyft will now notify their users that they can avail a trip to and from vaccine centers completely free or at a discounted price. Users will be able to avail this facility till July 4, 2021. They will have to pick a vaccination center that’s nearby and then redeem the free ride option. The U.S. government has aimed to have 70% of the adult population vaccinated with the first dose by Independence Day. This collaboration with the ridesharing companies will certainly help to achieve the set goal. The U.S. government will offer data on about 80,000 vaccination centers to Uber and Lyft as part of this collaboration, a senior administration official mentioned.

Last month, the option for users to book a vaccination appointment directly from the application was added by Uber. Lyft has also offered free rides to vaccination centers for individuals who are in need. Lyft’s free ride program was funded by private donations and corporate sponsors. Lyft has stated that by May 24, users will be able to claim a ride code, which will cover US$ 15 of rides each way to and from a vaccination center. They expect that this will cover the cost of most fares, if not all of them. Both the ridesharing companies have petitioned to become a part of Covid-19 relief efforts.

Users will be able to use a code for rideshare, scooter or bike rides during typical pharmacy opening hours of 6 pm to 8 pm. They will be able to claim a code using the Lyft application or website. The U.S. government is also working closely on some other factors to meet the July 4 goal. The other factors include, opening vaccination centers in community college campuses and offer on-site vaccinations for staff, students, and local residents.