In Houston Uber rolls out Disability-friendly service

this is what can happen when people with disabilities work together for change in there community...

Houston Chronicle |

Posted on September 3, 2014 | By Dug Begley

During Houston’s contentious debate regarding taxi and paid ride regulations, one of the most talked-about issues was how new entrants such as Uber and Lyft would provide service to the disabled.

Now we’re starting to see. Tuesday, Uber announced it was launching UberASSIST, the first step in giving those who are sight-impaired or who use a wheelchair a chance to state their needs and get paired with a driver capable of accommodating them. Here’s how Uber summed up the service in a blog post:

UberASSIST vehicles are driven by trained uberX partners who are knowledgeable of accessibility needs and can offer assistance for those who may require extra help. These vehicles can accommodate folding wheelchairs but are not wheelchair accessible ramp vehicles.

Later, the company said it would unveil UberACCESS, giving those who need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a lift or ramp an option.

Serving disabled clients was one of the priorities City Council members set when they approved changes to the city’s paid ride rules.  It was one of the criticisms taxi companies had to letting the companies in.

Having the service, however, is dependent on drivers being willing and able to carry the clients. As part of the city’s rule changes, they’re going to track availability for disabled clients.

In related news, it appears Uber is back to dropping off and picking up at area airports. Company officials did not respond to requests to comment on the day when service was suspended at Bush and Hobby airports.

 http://blog.chron.com/thehighwayman/2014/09/uber-rolls-out-disability-friendly-service/