Uber Technologies on Monday launched its COVID-19 vaccine rides program in partnership with the White House, offering all Americans an up to $25 discount for each of their trips to and from a vaccination site.
Customers who have booked a vaccine appointment can request a ride through the Uber app and either incur no charges if the trip costs less than $25, or receive a $25 discount for their journey, the company said.
Drivers will receive the full payment for the trip, Uber said.
With two of the three COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States requiring two separate shots, Uber would pay a maximum of $100 per passenger under the program. A company spokesman said Uber does not have an estimate for the number of vaccine rides it expects to provide.
U.S. President Joe Biden two weeks ago announced the partnership with Uber and its rival Lyft in an effort to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates at a time when U.S. demand for vaccines has declined.
Many states are offering incentives, from free food and drinks to a chance at winning a lottery, in order to get more Americans to roll up their sleeves for a COVID-19 shot.
Biden has set a target of getting 70 percent of U.S. adults inoculated
