Uber has forged many partnerships with several businesses, from the Super Bowl to A-list celebrities, but none is perhaps as fantastic as this. Recently, the world’s biggest ridesharing platform announced its partnership with the United States Army. Here’s the story.
Uber x United States Army
Late last month, Uber announced its newest pilot program with none other than the United States Army. This program will basically help boost the earnings that members of the military get in lieu of the ridesharing platform.
Under this pilot program, on- and off-base ridesharing services and flexible earning opportunities for military members and their loved ones at Army bases across the nation will open.
Uber’s chief executive officer, Dara Khosrowshahi, expressed his pride in seeing the vision and program come to life.
“We are proud to partner with the Army to expand rideshare operations for service members and their families. This initiative underscores Uber’s commitment to reliable transportation access, and will help to strengthen connections with surrounding communities and boost the local economies around these bases,” Khosrowshahi stated.
This partnership and program will initially focus on six Army installations serving more than 500,000 military members, their families, as well as retirees and civilians, with the plan to expand to over 20 bases in across 15 states.
The first six sites, according to the official Uber press release, are:
- Fort Bliss, Texas
- Fort Bragg, North Carolina
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
- Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
- Fort Shafter, Hawaii,
- Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii
You can see that, generally, the program is nationwide. Quite exciting.
To address problems
The program will not just benefit military members and their families, but also those Army bases with less access to public transportation.
While Uber has served several American cities so well, many Army bases in rural or remote areas have limited access to public transport, taxis, or even rideshare services. Otherwise, even if these options are present, they find it difficult to reach the locations of passengers because of so many checkpoints, creating hurdles for service members, their families, and community members around the base.
Via this partnership, ridesharing services throughout these areas will be more integrated, so they can reach passengers who are mostly military members and their families, thereby helping drivers earn more as well.
The initiative shall help bridge the transportation gaps while upholding the stringent measures of the Army.
However, an Uber driver must pass background checks to qualify for the program.
Once cleared and eligible, they can receive base access to the pick-up and drop-off locations, and can start doing business.
The two entities will take advantage of data and insights from those pilot locations to keep expanding the program.
“This program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our military communities,” said a representative from the United States Army. “Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we’re able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable, and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life.”
Achievement for Uber and the Army, unlocked.