Taxi hailing app Uber announced today it will provide 50,000 free rides for citizens travelling to vaccination centers across Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts.

The initiative, is part of Uber’s global commitment to provide 10 million free or discounted rides to ensure efficient and equitable access to vaccines. The effort is in support of the government’s drive to vaccinate Sri Lankans by removing transportation as a barrier to people getting access to vaccines. 

The initiative was commended by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who thanks the entity for stepping up to help the country.

Uber South Asia Prabhjeet Singh, President, commenting on the effort said the entity is privileged to support the government’s tireless efforts to ensure each and every citizen in the country is vaccinated.

“Safety has always been a priority at Uber and we are determined to offer our assistance to the local authorities in their efforts to battle COVID-19 across the cities we serve.

“Mass vaccination is the key to overcoming this pandemic and we are committed to providing safer and timely transport options for people travelling to vaccination centers. This, in turn, will help communities to recover quickly from the pandemic and rebuild their lives, he said in a statement to the media.

Previously, Uber offered discounts on it’s popular tuk service for residents travelling to and from 13 vaccination centers across Colombo.

The company also partnered with the Ministry of Health to launch a Covid-19 Awareness Campaign to reinforce safety and hygiene protocols for promoting best practices in safety.