PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Uber is giving away free rides to get vaccinated by the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium. Both groups hope this will limit transportation barriers preventing people from getting the shots.
"One of the obstacles that we identified in getting vaccines and testing, and really public health in general, is transportation," said Kamau Stanford, chief operating officer of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium.
The $250,0000 donation from Uber will provide 10,000 rides up to $25 each, to and from the consortium's vaccine sites, for both doses.
Stanford said they're hoping the partnership with Uber will make it easier for people to get their shots, as well as provide an economic boost.
"We're recycling dollars back into the Philadelphia community," he said. "Uber drivers who live in Philly: 10,000 rides are going to be made available just to come to our facility."
Philadelphians can take advantage of the free rides by adding the code, 10MVBDC, to their wallets on the Uber app.
"If you're in Northeast Philadelphia and we're testing at Temple's Liacouras Center and the ride is $22, there will be no out of pocket cost for you," Stanford explained.
The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium is hosting three vaccination clinics next week at the Liacouras Center, on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.