Uber launches ride hotline for Australians aged over 65
The ride service, popular with young professionals, has launched a phone-booking facility designed to attract more older people.
Uber Australia and New Zealand General Manager Rides, Dom Taylor, said research conducted by YouGov showed 93 per cent of Australians aged 65 and over felt more confident booking services over the phone.
He hoped the new hotline could provide a new transport option for them.
“It’s a bit of a back-to-the-future moment for us,” he said.
“There are groups within the community that are less open to using apps for a number of reasons, and we can still use our core product to help them move around.”
How does it work?
The new 13-UBER service, available between 5am and 8pm, will allow users to book a ride over the phone, or set up an Uber account for the first time.
Users must have a mobile phone to receive a text message with ride details, and will receive a second text message when their driver arrives at their pick-up location.
“We have seen in the US it is a source of new riders coming to the platform who are less comfortable with apps,” Dom said.
National Seniors Australia chief executive Chris Grice said he welcomed the move to make the service more accessible, and hoped it would help seniors with specific challenges, such as mobility issues.
“Not everyone is able or comfortable using apps because of privacy, security and storage concerns,” he said.
“It’s an interesting reflection of society, but a good one, [and] we welcome being able to make a phone call and speak with a person to book a service.”