Uber Updates: Ride-Sharing Firm Launches Wheelchair-Friendly Vehicles In London [VIDEO]
Disabled passengers in London would find it much easier to get around the city soon, as Uber announced that it is launching a fleet of special vehicles that are specifically designed to cater to people with disabilities. The vehicles, which are fully wheelchair-accessible, are part of the firm's UberWAV service, which had previously been launched in 10 U.S. cities in the past.
With UberWAV, disabled users in London could hail a car at the push of a button, and could rest assure that they would enjoy a stress-free, comfortable ride. Previously, regular Uber rides had been quite controversial among the disabled, due to some vehicles not being optimized to cater to the special needs of some passengers.
In a statement, Uber announced that drivers of London's UberWAV program would be receiving special Disability Equality Training from Transport for All and Inclusion London. This assures passengers that they would be fully cared for during their ride.
"We will be working hard to keep waiting times as low as possible as the service expands but in the first few weeks we expect average wait times of around 25 mins in zones 1 to 2 and 40 mins in zones 3 to 4," Uber announced.
London's UberWAV fleet is starting with 55 special vehicles for now. However, the popular ride-sharing service has asserted that the firm would be focusing on expanding its fleet to more than 100 vehicles over the coming months.
Tom Elvidge, Uber's general manager in London, is optimistic about the launch of UberWAV in the area.
"We're proud to be making one of the biggest ever investments in accessible private hire in London and will be working hard to keep waiting times as low as possible as the service expands," he said.
Ruth Owen, chief executive of Whizz-Kidz, an organization helping Uber with the launch of the program in London, stated that the introduction of the special fleet is a significant step for disabled passengers.
"The service is a step in the right direction. This new initiative will give disabled people in London a much-needed additional option for planning their travel across the capital," she said.
Uber further stated that London's UberWAV program would cost users roughly the same amount as cheaper UberX fares.
