Commission on Economic Opportunity Begins Uber Pilot

Beginning in July, Wilkes-Barra, Pa.-based Commission on Economic Opportunity will begin a pilot program to use Uber to transport families to its food pantries.

The one-year pilot project will begin with four food pantries with an objective to provide services to a minimum of 100 families over the first three month period. In the 2018 Community Needs Assessment conducted by CEO, 37 percent of respondents cited that transportation was the primary obstacle to obtain healthy and nutritious food for children and families.

Using special Uber software, an agency employee will be able to control all the rides. The agency will be able to dispatch Uber drivers to pick up approved clients and request a return ride home. Uber is waiving its 10 percent administrative fee that is normally charged to use their business platform.

CEO’s research found that the Uber ride fee will be $14.50 versus $24 per taxi ride.