Online cab hailing company Uber has launched of two new products - uberACCESS and uberASSIST starting with Bangalore to address commute requirements of senior citizens and those with accessibility needs. uberACCESS vehicles are rear-entry, which means that riders face forward when they’re travelling, unlike other wheelchair-accessible vehicles which require riders to face sideways or backwards. All uberACCESS vehicles have four-point tie-down straps, which are used to secure the wheelchair to the floor to ensure it stays put during the trip. And, uberASSIST is an option for those who require additional assistance – such as senior citizens and people with accessibility needs, including those who may just feel more comfortable with extra assistance when getting from door-to-door. The company said that a fleet of 500 uberASSIST vehicles accommodate most foldable wheelchairs. Uber also added that the drivers under these new categiores are trained and certified by Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre (DEOC), and are equipped with required skills to assist passengers with accessibility needs as well as those who need additional assistance during their ride. While uberASSIST has already started operations in Bangalore, uberACCESS will be rolled out shortly. The new categories are supported by IT company Mphasis as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. How to access uberASSIST/uberACCESS 1. Open the Uber app 2. Enter destination 3. Slide to the right and select uberASSIST/uberACCESS 4. Confirm pick-up location and request ride Other recent highlights -Uber has expanded its newly introduced ride option called Premier to Bangalore. The option was introduced as…
