Uber announced that UberAssist will start running in Macau, which is sometimes called the Vegas of China. People who are disabled can choose the UberAssist button from within the app to let Uber know that they will need special assistance. For now, Uber has trained 100 drivers in Macau to handle special needs. They can communicate in sign language; they have been trained on how to fold wheelchairs; they know how to help people in and out of the car; and they have been trained on how to help people who are blind or visually impaired.
Once a person with a disability request an Uber
Assist ride, a qualified driver will call them to make sure of the meeting place, and ask if there are any special needs. The cost is the same as an UberX ride, which is the least expensive version.
This program is already running successfully in neighboring Hong Kong, and Uber hopes to bring it to many more locations.
From the Developer
uberASSIST is designed to provide additional assistance to seniors and people with disabilities. Driver-partners are specifically trained by Open Doors Organization to assist riders into vehicles and can accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters.
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