Coronavirus: Uber to give NHS staff free trips and meals

Health secretary Matt Hancock praises company for ‘playing their part’

Olivia Petter
Monday 30 March 2020 08:09 BST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Uber will give away hundreds of thousands of free trips and meals to NHS staff working on the frontlines during the coronavirus outbreak.

The taxi and food delivery company said that as of Monday 30 March, it will offer 200,000 complimentary trips and 100,000 meals to medical staff in order to support them while they work with patients who have been infected by Covid-19.

The free trips are valid to those up to a value of £15 each while Uber Eats will offer a £10 voucher, which NHS staff can use to buy a meal from any of the restaurants and convenience shops that are partnered with the company.

Uber is also offering NHS workers based in London free use of its Jump bikes, which operate in Camden, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea and Hackney. The company hopes this will make it easier for medical staff to get to work without having to use public transport.

In order to claim the free trips and meals, NHS staff simply need to sign up on Uber’s website with their work email address.

Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said he hopes the freebies will help support NHS staff working “tirelessly” through the day and night.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who revealed he had tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, added: “Everyone has a role to play in our national effort to help the NHS tackle coronavirus, so it’s great to see Uber playing their part by offering meals and trips to work for our brilliant NHS staff.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in