Uber launches courier service in Australia, Shebah restricts rides to reduce COVID-19 risks
Big changes are coming to ride-sharing services amid the coronavirus pandemic, with new delivery services and restrictions on passenger numbers.
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With passenger numbers plummeting due to COVID-19 restrictions nationwide, the world’s leading ride-sharing platform has revealed plans to launch a courier service in Australia.
The change to Uber’s service is one of several big moves in the Australian transport market, with new passenger restrictions and changes to allow drivers to cancel trips introduced across all services.
Uber announced is new scheme to launch a same-day delivery service for Melbourne businesses on Wednesday, with Australia and New Zealand general manager Dom Taylor explaining the company planned to expand it “to other major cities after the Easter break”.
A company that helps move people is asking you not to move.
— Uber Australia (@Uber_Australia) April 8, 2020
With driver & delivery partners, and restaurants, we'll help #MoveWhatMatters: 10M free rides and deliveries of food for frontline healthcare workers, seniors, and people in need.
Learn more: https://t.co/oDzsB8HXxz pic.twitter.com/Ix9PEspwxD
“Uber is piloting a new service in response to COVID-19 which will enable businesses to get their customers same-day or scheduled deliveries by tapping into the existing Uber rides network,” he said.
“This will help businesses meet unprecedented demand for delivery and help Australians stay at home while still getting the items they and their families need.”
Mr Taylor said Uber’s new courier-style service could transport groceries, documents, office equipment, or emergency toilet paper supplies on demand.
Australian businesses looking to trial the service can now sign up online.
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Uber’s new offer comes at a tricky time for ride-sharing companies in Australia, and after it restricted rides to a maximum of three passengers, all of whom would be required to sit in the back seat.
The company also announced it would let drivers cancel rides if they felt uncomfortable.
Female-focused ride-sharing firm Shebah also revealed it would no longer transport more than one passenger at a time.
Founder Georgina McEncroe said the company would make exceptions for children travelling with their parents and for carers, however, but would break up larger family groups into multiple cars.
“Children needing to travel can go with Mum or Dad in a vehicle and other kids can be provided with a vehicle to follow behind, in the event you are using Shebah for childcare or school,” she wrote.
“For our vulnerable passengers, don’t worry we consider carers to be like family as well.”
Parents using the Shebah service to transport children between households as part of a shared custody arrangement would also need to book multiple cars for “transporting more than two unaccompanied children,” she said.
New ride-sharing entrant DiDi has also introduced a limit of two passengers per ride, and will allow drivers to cancel if too many people try to ride in their car or if they feel unsafe.
“Those using DiDi for essential travel should either travel alone, ride with a single member of their household or with a single colleague en route to perform essential work,” a spokesman said.
The company is also providing face masks to its drivers.