Uber Technologies Inc launched a travel program monday in collaboration with the White House to promote COVID-19 vaccination, offering Americans a discount of up to $25 for each of their round trips to a vaccination center.
Customers who have booked an appointment to get vaccinated can request a trip through the Uber app and will pay nothing if the trip costs less than $25, or receive a $25 discount, the company said.
Drivers will receive full payment for the ride, Uber added.
Since two of the three COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States require two injections, Uber would pay a maximum of $100 per passenger under the program. A company spokesperson said Uber does not have an estimate of the number of vaccination trips it expects to provide.
U.S. President Joe Biden announced two weeks ago the partnership with Uber and its rival Lyft Inc in an effort to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates at a time when demand for vaccines in the country has declined.
Many states are offering incentives, from free food and drinks to the chance to win the lottery, to get more Americans to stand up against COVID-19.
Biden has set a goal of getting 70% of American adults to be empty by July 4, so that the country can reopen safely during celebrations and people can have small Independence Day meetings.
As of Thursday, 48% of Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For Uber and Lyft vaccination efforts occur at a time when both companies are trying to get their drivers and passengers back on their way, to recover lost revenue during the pandemic.
Lyft has said customers who book a trip to get vaccinated will receive a discount of $15 per trip.
Travel discounts nationwide are based on vaccination programs that Uber and Lyft launched late last year to help vulnerable communities that lack access to health and transportation.
