Uber announced on May 24 that it is providing free rides up to $40 per ride for a maximum of two trips per resident using the code OCSAFE26, supporting transportation to designated evacuation shelters amid the ongoing chemical emergency in Garden Grove. The offer is intended to help Orange County residents reach temporary shelters safely as evacuation orders remain in effect.
According to Uber’s post on X, the company is offering free rides up to $40 per ride with a maximum of two trips to assist residents safely reaching temporary evacuation shelters during the ongoing chemical emergency in Orange County. The offer requires entering promo code OCSAFE26 in the Wallet section of the app before booking and applies to rides to or from designated shelters. This support was extended as evacuation orders remained in effect for thousands of residents following the incident at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove.
The chemical emergency began with a leaking tank containing thousands of gallons of methyl methacrylate at the GKN Aerospace facility, prompting evacuation orders for more than 50,000 residents across Garden Grove, Stanton, Cypress, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency while emergency crews worked around the clock to mitigate explosion risks and monitor air quality. The situation displaced families who relied on temporary shelters and alternative transportation as officials coordinated response efforts, according to KTLA.
Private sector transportation platforms like Uber have supported communities during large-scale emergencies by providing mobility options when public resources face high demand. The company operates in more than 10,500 cities worldwide and has previously partnered with local governments to offer complimentary rides to shelters and essential services in disaster zones. Such rapid deployment helps ensure residents maintain access to safety and critical locations without additional financial burden during crises, according to Uber.
Uber Technologies serves as the largest mobility platform operating in more than 70 countries and aims to improve global movement through its technology-driven services. Dara Khosrowshahi leads Uber Technologies as chief executive officer, supporting access to healthcare and efficient logistics solutions globally, according to the official website.
