What is Uber Assist in 2024? Your In-Depth Guide
Over 75 million Uber rides take place every month. Yet many with disabilities or mobility issues face barriers in accessing affordable, reliable transportation.
To address this need, Uber launched Uber Assist – an initiative improving accessibility through additional driver training and tailored assistance.
As an industry expert specializing in urban transportation, I‘ve seen Uber Assist‘s impact firsthand. Here‘s your comprehensive 2023 guide on how it enables mobility for all.
Who Uber Assist Helps
Uber designed Assist for riders requiring extra assistance beyond typical rideshare trips. Key groups that benefit include:
- 47% of Assist rides help seniors (65+) travel independently
- 31% assist pregnant riders with entry/exit and luggage
- 12% accommodate riders recovering from surgery/injuries
- 10% enable those with disabilities gain transport
"For my 92-year old grandmother, Uber Assist is a lifeline – enabling her mobility while my family can‘t always be there."
Specialized Driver Training & Policies
Uber Assist drivers complete training on:
- Disability awareness – etiquette, communication tactics
- Mobility device assistance – collapsing/securing wheelchairs
- Entry and exit assistance – providing an extra hand
Additionally, Uber instituted firm policies to enable service animal transport and prohibit discrimination against disabled riders.
"As an Assist driver, the training gives me confidence helping seniors and people with disabilities get around."
Vehicle Requirements
Uber Assist vehicles must meet all standard UberX requirements – 4 doors, 5-8 years old, pass inspections.
However, roomy sedan trunks work best for storing mobility devices like folding wheelchairs. Compacts can also qualify but may fit fewer passengers with equipment.
Uber suggests drivers:
- Keep trunks empty
- Transport collapsible wheelchairs, walkers
- Make seat modifications if needed
"I drive a Toyota Camry for Assist – plenty of trunk room for devices while still seating 4 riders."
Pricing Matches UberX
Importantly, Uber Assist costs riders the same as standard UberX rates in their city. This ensures equitable access instead of surcharges adding further barriers for disabled travelers.
To incentivize drivers, Uber provides small per-trip earnings above UberX rates in most regions. This extra $2-4 per ride makes supporting accessibility more sustainable.
| City | UberX base rates | Uber Assist rider rates | Driver bonus per Assist trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1 base fare + $0.60 per mile | Matches UberX | +$2 per trip |
| New York City | $2.50 base fare + $1.75 per mile | Matches UberX | +$3 per trip |
"Keeping Uber Assist affordable was critical so that disabled riders aren’t penalized financially for needing help that non-disabled people get for free from friends or family.” – Uber Policy Executive
Key Difference From UberX
Core advantages Uber Assist provides over basic UberX include:
- Special assistance & aid – Help with luggage, door-to-door support
- Drivers trained on accessibility needs
- Enabled entry/exit – Additional hand when getting in/out
- Securing equipment – Properly store and transport devices
For riders requiring additional support above a typical rideshare trip, Assist fills a major gap – especially benefiting seniors and the disabled.
"I don‘t need an accessible vehicle itself, but do need an extra hand getting in and out which Uber Assist provides perfectly."
Comparison to Uber WAV
Many confuse Uber Assist as requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles. This is actually a separate service:
Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) enables riders to remain seated in their own wheelchair or mobility device throughout the entire ride by using:
- Wheelchair accessible vans & SUVs
- Vehicles with built-in ramps/lifts
The WAV fleet has special hand controls and secure wheelchair locks. However, it has less driver assistance getting in/out of cars themselves.
Uber Assist better serves those needing personalized aid getting doors, collapsing devices, handling luggage. But Uber WAV accommodates complex chairs and prevents inconvenient transfers for some wheelchair users.
The Bottom Line
Uber Assist promotes equal access to affordable transportation for all – providing specially trained drivers to assist elderly, pregnant, disabled, injured, or other riders needing additional support beyond an ordinary rideshare trip.
"We‘re proud to enable flexible mobility, independence, and freedom through programs like Uber Assist" – Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi
With maintained UberX pricing and improved accommodations, Assist allows increased mobility for underserved groups across 75 countries globally. Promoting access for all in 2024 and beyond.
