By Andrew Irumba
Uber has announced the launch of Uber Connect, a feature that allows users to send packages to family and friends through the app.
The product provides a cost-effective same-day, no-contact delivery solution for family and friends while encouraging them to remain at home and practice social distancing.
Aaron Tindiseega, the Country Manager for Uber in Uganda explains that; “During this COVID-19 crisis, we have been working around the clock to find innovative ways to leverage our technology to assist consumers to move essential care packages while also enhancing earnings opportunities for drivers on our platform.”
Uber Connect can be used to deliver a variety of items such as care packages, groceries and much-needed supplies to loved ones while ensuring all social distancing and government directives are followed.
With virtual gatherings becoming the new reality, special occasions and family traditions can still be memorable as Uber connects loved ones by moving what matters the most.
How it works:
Package the items in a sealed box or bag, wiping down surfaces with disinfectant.
Tell your driver ‘Where to?’ in your Uber app.
Choose Uber Connect as the ride (you may have to swipe up for the option)
Follow the notifications: You’ll get notifications providing instructions on how to help ensure a smooth pickup and when your driver-partner is arriving, just as you would with an UberX trip.
As you see the car approach in the app, you should head outside and load your item into the car boot.
Share the trip status with up to 5 people in your contact list. Unless it’s a surprise gift, one of these should be the recipient so they can easily monitor the delivery’s progress.
Safety remains a priority and Uber is committed to equipping all users of the app with the information needed to keep safe.
To date, Uber has been working with manufacturers and distributors to provide drivers with disinfectants and cloth masks as well as tips to follow to help keep the Uber community safe.
Uber is providing up to 14 days of financial assistance to drivers diagnosed with COVID-19 or ordered to self-quarantine by a doctor or public health authority, including where they have a pre-existing health condition that puts them at higher risk.
ABOUT UBER
Uber’s mission is to help people get a ride at the push of a button – everywhere and for everyone. They started in 2009 to solve a simple problem – how do you get a ride at the touch of a button?
With over 10 billion trips later, they’ve started tackling an even greater challenge: reducing congestion and pollution in the cities by getting more people into fewer cars.
Uber is available in sixteen cities in Sub-Saharan Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Joburg, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, East London, Nairobi, Mombasa, Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, Abidjan Kampala, Accra, Kumasi and Dar es Salaam).
Overall, the Uber network is available in over 100000 cities in over 65 countries. To request a ride, users must download the free application for Android, iPhone, Blackberry 7, or register for Uber at www.uber.com/go.
