Uber launches cab service for disabled, senior citizens

Uber India, in partnership with IT services company Mphasis, on Tuesday launched uberASSIST and uberACCESS, two new products to address travel needs of senior citizens and physically challenged.

Uber India and South Asia president Amit Jain said the company believes in creating transportation options that fit every rider's need.

"The launch of UberASSIST and UberACCESS provides convenient and affordable rides for senior citizens and people with accessibility needs," he said. UberASSIST is already on the app.

UberACCESS, which the company will launch soon, an Asia-first launch for Uber in Bengaluru, offers 50 retrofitted vehicles, sponsored by Mphasis, with heightened roof and hydraulic wheelchair lift on-demand.

All UberACCESS and uberASSIST driver partners have been trained and certified by Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre (DEOC). UberACCESS vehicles are rear-entry, which means riders face forward, unlike other wheelchair-accessible vehicles which require riders to face sideways or backwards.

All UberACCESS vehicles have four-point tie-down straps, which are used to secure the wheelchair to ensure they stay in place.