The US Army has teamed with Uber and Lyft for a ride-sharing program to boost transportation access for soldiers and their families living on base.
The initiative covers six in-country installations and is expected to promote additional transport options for over 600,000 service members, veterans, and civilians.
Among the bases included are Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fort Bliss, Fort Bragg, Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, and Tripler Army Medical Center.
Throughout the effort, identity screening of the FBI National Crime Information Center and Terrorist Screening Database will be applied for visitors, ride-share, and taxi drivers.
Each checkpoint will require drivers to show their app-based ride requests or personnel identification documents for an authorized pickup and drop-off.
“We are proud to partner with the Army to expand rideshare operations for service members and their families,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated.
“This initiative underscores Uber’s commitment to reliable transportation access and will help to strengthen connections with surrounding communities and boost the local economies around these bases.”
More Locations Soon
The army’s pilot program will run for two months, according to Business Insider, with results from the initial locations to determine its expansion to 20 military bases in 15 states.
It is expected to further simplify transport access procedures and requirements to “safely increase ridership” across the installations as the effort matures.
“This program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our military communities,” US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll explained.
“Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we’re able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life.”
