By Isoken Osagie
Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. will offer free rides to and from vaccination sites until July 4 as part of a new partnership with the White House.
According to the Wall Street Journal, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients announced the move Tuesday in a call with governors. The initiative is part of President Joe Biden's effort to vaccinate 70% of the U.S. population with at least one dose by July 4.
The ride-sharing companies will be given data on about 80,000 vaccination sites as part of the transportation partnership, said a senior administration official.
Rides to vaccination sites will be free to anyone in the U.S. going to get a COVID-19 shot and the feature is expected to launch in the next two weeks.
"Helping more Americans get vaccinated helps the Lyft community of drivers and riders, and we’re grateful to the Biden administration for prioritizing access," said Lyft president John Zimmer in a statement.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said, "Vaccines are our best hope to beat this pandemic, and soon everyone in America will be able to take a free Uber to get their shot," per The New York Post.