A Lyft logo is featured on a Lyft driver car next to an Uber sticker in Pittsburgh.
Gene J. Puskar | AP
Uber and Lyft will offer free rides to vaccination sites through July 4th as part of a new partnership at the White House, the Biden government said on Tuesday.
“By helping Americans get to a vaccination site for free, Lyft and Uber are removing a potential barrier and bringing America closer to the president’s goal of reaching 70% of the US adult population with at least one shot by July 4th “White said House in a press release.
Both companies had already partnered with other companies to expand transport access to Covid vaccination sites. Tuesday’s announcement, however, builds on these commitments and introduces a formal government partnership.
The White House said the initiative would start within the next two weeks.
Uber didn’t immediately announce what the rides would look like on its app, but Lyft said a “ride code” will be available through its website or app by May 24th. Although the White House advertised the rides as free, Lyft said it would cover $ 15 one way each way. Lyft said in a statement that the amount should cover “most, if not all” of the fare based on previous trips to vaccination sites he has observed.
Users can get a code on Lyft’s website or app to get to a nearby vaccination site after providing some details. The codes can be used for standard rides as well as for scooters or bicycles offered through Lyft during standard pharmacy opening hours of 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“The vaccine is key to getting us all moving again and we are proud to be doing our part to move the country forward,” said Lyft co-founder and president John Zimmer in a statement. “We have always believed that transportation has the power to make people’s lives better, and this initiative makes that truer than ever. When more Americans get vaccinated, it will help the Lyft community of drivers and drivers, and we are the Biden -Administration grateful for prioritizing access. “
“Vaccines are our best hope to beat this pandemic, and soon everyone in America can take a free Uber to get their shot,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a statement. “We are honored to deepen our previous global commitments and to work with the White House and Lyft to offer free rides to vaccination sites in the United States. This is a proud moment for me, for Uber, and for our country.”
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