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Uber launches fleet of wheelchair-accessible cars in London
The company is also working with charities to train partner-drivers on disability equality courses
by: Caroline Preece
11 May 2016
Uber is launching a new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) option in London, working with accessibility charities to bring its services to more people in the city.
Charities Scope, Whizz-Kidz and Transport for All are supporting the launch of uberWAV, with the company set to invest more than 1 million over the first 18 months. The vehicles themselves will be kitted out with a rear-entry ramp, winch and restraints, allowing for one other person accompanying the wheelchair user.
Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber in London, said: "The launch of uberWAV is an important step forward in making convenient, safe and affordable transport available to everyone at the push of a button. This new option will give wheelchair users an additional way of getting from A to B with fares on average 30 per cent cheaper than black cabs.
"We’re proud to be making one of the biggest ever investments in accessible private hire in London and will be working hard to keep waiting times as low as possible as the service [...]