Uber provides complimentary taxi services for elderly residents residing in Philadelphia during SEPTA transit reductions.
In the face of significant service reductions by SEPTA, a partnership between Uber, ACHIEVEability, and the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC) is offering a lifeline to Philadelphia's senior citizens.
The Uber Senior Ride Program, as it's called, aims to help seniors access essential services like grocery stores and doctors' appointments, especially in the wake of the 20% service reduction by SEPTA. All special rail service, including the Sports Express, has been discontinued, and service has been reduced to the 88 bus, Metro, and Regional Rail lines.
Uber is providing free rides to senior citizens in Philadelphia, with promotional codes and ride vouchers being sent to those seniors with smartphones. For seniors without smartphones, ACHIEVEability and OARC staff will schedule rides.
ACHIEVEability will lead the program in West Philadelphia, while OARC will operate in Northwest Philadelphia. This partnership is an example of how the private sector and community organizations can support neighbors, according to Rep. Morgan Cephas.
Emilie Boman, head of Social Impact at Uber, stated that the program ensures seniors in West and Northwest Philly have a safe, reliable option for transportation.
The first phase of SEPTA cuts began on Sunday, with the elimination of 32 bus routes and the shortening of 16 bus routes. By Jan. 1, 2026, more service cuts could be on the way, including a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail service.
Motorists are encouraged not to drive in Center City during rush hour, and other forms of public transit like the Philly PHLASH, PATCO, and NJ Transit are being urged for use during SEPTA service cuts.
Philly leaders have warned of increased commute times due to SEPTA's service cuts, and five Regional Rail routes and the Broad-Ridge Spur could be eliminated. With approximately 20% of Philadelphia's population being over 60, representing over 316,000 residents, the Uber Senior Ride Program could prove to be a vital service in the city.
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