Dara Khosrowshahi, Chief Executive Officer | Uber
Uber has announced a pilot program in collaboration with the U.S. Army to enhance rideshare services and flexible earning opportunities for military members and their families at Army bases nationwide. The initiative will initially focus on six Army installations, including Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, and Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. These locations serve over 600,000 military members, their families, retirees, and civilians.
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, stated: “We are proud to partner with the Army to expand rideshare operations for service members and their families. This initiative underscores Uber’s commitment to reliable transportation access and will help to strengthen connections with surrounding communities and boost the local economies around these bases.”
Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army, commented: “This program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our military communities. Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we’re able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life.”
The partnership aims to address transportation challenges faced by service members due to many bases being located in less dense or rural areas where public transportation is limited. Expanding rideshare services will integrate these bases more fully into surrounding communities while supporting local economies.
To ensure security standards are maintained, drivers opting into this program must pass an Army vetting process that includes an in-person background check at each base. Approved drivers receive an Army-issued base access credential allowing entry only for authorized pickups and drop-offs.
Uber plans to use data from the initial pilot locations to refine and expand the program across more than 20 bases in 15 states.