COVID-19: Uber Makes Adjustments in Canada and U.S.
In an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, Uber announced on Tuesday that it is suspending shared rides on its ride-hailing platform in Canada and the U.S.
In other words, when you open the app, you can no longer book trips at lower prices by sharing the car with up to three other passengers traveling in the same direction.
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Senior vice president of Uber Rides and Platform Andrew Macdonald wrote in a statement: "Our goal is to help flatten the curve on community spread in the cities we serve."
Shared rides make up only a small portion of all Uber bookings.
Meanwhile, regular rides as well as food deliveries via the Uber Eats platform remain available. However, a message pops up to remind users to consider if the ride they plan to book is essential and to "travel only when necessary."
Eats customers also have the option to use delivery notes to communicate how they’d like their orders delivered. They may include a note like “Please leave my order at the door” or “ring my doorbell and leave in the lobby.” Even better: Uber has waived delivery fees on all Uber Eats orders from independent restaurants across the country in an effort to drive sales to local favourites.
The company is working to provide drivers with disinfectants to help them keep their cars clean. Supplies are very limited, so distribution to drivers in cities with the greatest need will be prioritized.
Riders are also being asked to consider the safety of their drivers by washing their hands before and after a ride, sitting in the back seat and rolling down the window to improve ventilation.
Finally, any driver or delivery person who is diagnosed with COVID‑19 or is individually asked to self‑isolate by a public health authority will receive financial assistance for up to 14 days while their account is on hold.
