Latest news with #UberX
The Age
a day ago
- Business
- The Age
Paula wanted to travel with her guide dog, but Uber drivers kept cancelling
Hobley, in her response to Uber's defence, hit back at the notion that she and other riders enter into agreements with drivers directly. She notes Uber sends customers a receipt after each trip totalling the amount they paid to the company for point-to-point transport services, and that the receipts don't detail the amount their driver is paid. The ride-share company offers an 'Uber pet' booking class, alongside other options such as 'Uber X', but under its rules, riders with assistance animals do not need to book the specific pet option. Instead, customers who travel with assistance animals can opt in to a program that identifies them as travelling with an animal to drivers who accept their trip. When drivers, some of whom may prefer not to accept Uber pet trips, accept a regular trip request and are then notified that the customer will be travelling with an assistance animal, the app generates a notification that drivers are legally obliged under anti-discrimination law to accept the trip. However, Hobley claims drivers routinely cancel on her, causing her to become stranded and miss medical appointments and social functions. Hobley, in comments made before Uber filed its defence, alleged Uber had taken a 'softly-softly' approach to enforcing drivers' legal obligations. 'If I can't find a driver who will take me to essential appointments, my only other option is a long, indirect trip on public transport,' Hobley said this year, adding that what is a 10-minute car trip to an appointment near her place takes nearly an hour by bus. The experience of having trips cancelled has become 'too draining', to the point that Hobley avoids certain activities due to the risk of a cancellation. 'I need to be able to travel without stress and considerable pre-planning, just like most people do. This is a right, not a privilege,' Hobley said. Hobley said she was not asking for special treatment but had launched the legal action – in which the Justice and Equity Centre are representing her – so that drivers 'do their job and Uber enforce that'. The legal standing of Uber's claim is unclear. Alastair McEwin, who formerly served as Australia's disability discrimination commissioner and is a professor of practice in disability at the University of NSW, said a disabled person could not be refused service because of a disability support they require, such as an assistance animal. Contractors were covered by the act, he said. Loading He also questioned Uber's claim of unjustifiable hardship, noting carrying assistance animals did not cost extra and that Uber had not specified hardships such as cleaning charges. 'If the court were to find in Uber's favour in this case, it could potentially set a dangerous precedent that global organisations like Uber do not have to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and therefore have no obligation to be accessible for disabled people,' McEwin says. Lee Kumutat, advocacy and policy manager at Guide Dogs Australia, said Hobley's experiences were 'all too common'. Kumutat pointed to research by the organisation that found 50 per cent of people requiring guide dogs had had an issue with ride-share or taxi companies in the past two years, with more than one-third saying their trip was cancelled. 'Uber should not be above the law when it comes to discrimination,' Kumutat says. An Uber spokesperson said if a driver refused service to a rider with an assistance animal, they must pass a test, and that a second refusal may result in permanent loss of access to its Uber driver app. 'The distress of being refused service because of an assistance animal is not something we take lightly at Uber, and we know this is a significant issue across broader society,' the spokesperson said, defending the company's investment tools and education 'to ensure drivers understand their legal obligation'. A mediation hearing is set for September.
Tahawul Tech
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Tahawul Tech
'Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities.' – Youssef Abouseif, Uber KSA
As Saudi Arabia celebrates seven years since the historic decision that allowed women to drive, Uber has announced the upcoming launch of its new 'Women Drivers' product, designed to give women riders the option to be matched exclusively with women drivers. The feature builds on Uber's commitment to empowering women through mobility and flexible economic opportunities. The 'Women Drivers' product allows women riders to book rides exclusively with women drivers via the Uber app, expanding economic opportunities for Saudi women while enhancing rider choice. The initiative aligns with Uber's long-term vision for a more inclusive platform and forms part of its broader commitment to support the participation of women in the Saudi economy. The product is also designed for ease of use to ensure women feel comfortable and empowered. It will be available gradually for riders in the coming weeks. Here's how the product works: On-demand – The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices as Uber X. – The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices as Uber X. Reserve – For women riders looking for added structure and planning, they can reserve a ride with a women driver up to 30 minutes in advance through the Uber Reserve feature. Youssef Abouseif, KSA GM at Uber, said, Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities. At Uber, we see that future as electric, shared, and autonomous – but also inclusive. The launch of the 'Women Drivers' product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We're continuing to support women who choose to drive via the Uber app – giving them more choice, more opportunity, and a stronger sense of community. We're also thrilled to witness this dynamic change unfold in Saudi Arabia, and we firmly believe initiatives like these play a pivotal role in Saudi Vision 2030.' Empowering Saudi women through Al Nahda partnership and GigSister events Uber is proud to announce its partnership with Alnahda Society, a leading non-profit organization established in 1962 with a mission to empower women both economically and socially. This collaboration aims to support women in mobility through capacity-building initiatives, including financial literacy programs, by equipping women with essential skills. The initiative paves the way for economic independence and opens up opportunities such as driving via the Uber app. This effort builds on Uber's previous collaboration with Alnahda through the Masaruky initiative, which supported thousands of women in joining the workforce by helping them learn to drive and obtain a driver's license. Additionally, Uber will host its first GigSister program in Saudi Arabia, creating a dedicated space for women drivers to connect, share experiences, and foster a supportive local community. These initiatives highlight how Uber is going beyond mobility to actively invest in the development and success of women across the Kingdom. Over the years, Uber has introduced a series of programs in Saudi Arabia, from the Wusool initiative, which has supported over 20 million subsidized rides for women, to Women Rider Preference, which allows women drivers to choose if they want to exclusively pick-up women riders. Each of these initiatives has been carefully curated to advance women's participation in the workforce and align with the Kingdom's broader socio-economic goals. By integrating innovation, empowerment, and local insights, Uber continues to provide tangible solutions that address the unique needs of women in Saudi Arabia. With this latest product launch and new partnerships, Uber remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and progressive platform for all.
Gulf Insider
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
Uber Launches All-Women Ride Option In Saudi Arabia To Boost Female Drivers
Ride-hailing giant Uber has introduced a new ride option in Saudi Arabia that allows women riders to be matched exclusively with female drivers, as part of broader efforts to increase women's participation in the workforce and the mobility sector. The initiative comes seven years after the Kingdom lifted the ban on women driving, and follows Uber's continued investment in localised programs to support Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The new feature, called Women Drivers , functions like the standard UberX service and will be gradually rolled out to riders across the country in the coming weeks. It enables women to either book on-demand trips or schedule them up to 30 minutes in advance using Uber Reserve. 'The launch of the 'Women Drivers' product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence,' said Youssef Abouseif, General Manager of Uber in Saudi Arabia. 'We're giving women more choice, more opportunity, and a stronger sense of community.' Uber is also launching Saudi Arabia's first-ever GigSister event — a community-focused program offering a platform for female drivers to connect, share experiences, and build a local support network. In parallel, the company has partnered with Alnahda Society, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering women economically and socially. The collaboration includes capacity-building initiatives like financial literacy training, aiming to equip women with skills that could lead to economic independence, including driving for Uber. The new initiative builds on Uber's previous collaboration with Alnahda through the Masaruky program, which helped thousands of women gain driver's licenses and access mobility-based jobs. Uber has rolled out several female-focused services in Saudi Arabia in recent years, including: Wusool, which has facilitated over 20 million subsidised rides for women Women Rider Preference, allowing female drivers to exclusively accept women riders These efforts aim to increase women's workforce participation while offering greater comfort and flexibility for both drivers and riders.
Perth Now
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Are WA locals the most environmentally-minded in Australia?
New national data from Uber released today has revealed west Aussies are the most environmentally conscious in the country. The ride share giant conducted a survey throughout Australia and found that WA customers rated themselves a 7.29/10 for green efforts, higher than NSW (6.99) and Queensland (6.86). The research highlighted that 40 per cent of Aussies claimed that cost remains the number one barrier to living more sustainably while 65 per cent admitted that choosing less environmentally friendly options because they were more convenient. The data is released as west Aussies head into Plastic Free July; a community initiative set up by volunteers in Perth in 2011 which solidifies July as the global month of action against plastic pollution. The global movement now stands as the largest waste avoidance campaign on the planet, with 174 million participants globally in 2024. Actor Melissa Joanhart uses the non disposal mugs at Emu Point cafe in Albany. Credit: Instagram/Plastic Free July / Plastic Free July To celebrate Plastic Free July, City of Vincent staff will be popping up in select cafes across the area offering free coffees to those who bring a reusable cup instead of opting for a single-use one. The WA government has also taken repeated action on plastic pollution, with moulded or cut expanded plastic packaging being banned on July 1 as part of the Western Australia's Plan for Plastics plan. Uber has found that WA and Victoria (VIC) residents have shown the most significant increase in their focus on sustainability this year and have chosen to focus on sustainability as a key business objective going forward. The business has transitioned its Uber Green product to a fully electric ride share option since April this year, with a 30% year-on-year increase in the number of EV Uber drivers. This is a direct response to the research which found that Aussies want to consider the environment but are often hampered by cost and convenience. Uber Green rides are now available in Perth for the same cost as UberX rides.
West Australian
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Uber data reveals West Aussies most environmentally conscious in Australia as Plastic Free July continues
New national data from Uber released today has revealed west Aussies are the most environmentally conscious in the country. The ride share giant conducted a survey throughout Australia and found that WA customers rated themselves a 7.29/10 for green efforts, higher than NSW (6.99) and Queensland (6.86). The research highlighted that 40 per cent of Aussies claimed that cost remains the number one barrier to living more sustainably while 65 per cent admitted that choosing less environmentally friendly options because they were more convenient. The data is released as west Aussies head into Plastic Free July ; a community initiative set up by volunteers in Perth in 2011 which solidifies July as the global month of action against plastic pollution. The global movement now stands as the largest waste avoidance campaign on the planet, with 174 million participants globally in 2024. To celebrate Plastic Free July, City of Vincent staff will be popping up in select cafes across the area offering free coffees to those who bring a reusable cup instead of opting for a single-use one. The WA government has also taken repeated action on plastic pollution, with moulded or cut expanded plastic packaging being banned on July 1 as part of the Western Australia's Plan for Plastics plan. Uber has found that WA and Victoria (VIC) residents have shown the most significant increase in their focus on sustainability this year and have chosen to focus on sustainability as a key business objective going forward. The business has transitioned its Uber Green product to a fully electric ride share option since April this year, with a 30% year-on-year increase in the number of EV Uber drivers. This is a direct response to the research which found that Aussies want to consider the environment but are often hampered by cost and convenience. Uber Green rides are now available in Perth for the same cost as UberX rides.
