Uber Technologies Inc. announced that it has made progress in its global “Driving Change” initiative, expanding partnerships and programs aimed at preventing gender-based violence and improving safety while helping survivors access support services, according to a press release.
The company said the initiative is designed to work with nonprofits, advocacy groups, and community organizations focused on preventing gender-based violence and improving safety in the communities where it operates. It brings together partnerships, research, education, and platform safety features to help protect both riders and drivers. Over time, the program has expanded into a global network of organizations that work with Uber to share expertise, shape safety policies, and increase support for survivors seeking help. Uber says these collaborations help make transportation a more reliable link to safety and essential services for people in vulnerable situations.
A key component of the initiative is improving access to transportation for survivors of violence who may need to reach shelters, hospitals, or legal and counseling services. In 2025, Uber launched the Hope Rides program in the United States in partnership with Alliance for HOPE International, providing free rides to survivors seeking assistance through Family Justice Centers across the country. By addressing transportation barriers, the program aims to connect people more quickly with critical support services and help community organizations extend the reach of their assistance programs according to Uber.
Transportation access can play a measurable role in public safety and economic opportunity. According to research from the U.S. Department of Transportation and related mobility studies, reliable transportation options significantly improve access to healthcare, employment, and emergency services—particularly for vulnerable populations and people seeking urgent assistance. Technology-enabled ride platforms have expanded transportation availability in thousands of cities globally, enabling on-demand mobility that can help close service gaps where traditional transit options may be limited or unavailable during critical moments according to research from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Uber Technologies Inc., founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, is one of the world’s largest technology platforms for mobility and delivery services. Through its apps, the company connects riders, drivers, couriers, restaurants, and merchants, offering ridesharing, food delivery through Uber Eats, freight logistics, and other transportation services. Dara Khosrowshahi serves as chief executive officer, and the company says it operates in more than 70 countries while supporting mobility, healthcare access, and logistics solutions worldwide.
