Hawai’i County, UBER Partner for Free Rides to Vaccination Appointments

The County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency is partnering with Uber to provide access to rides both to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments in Hawai’i County as part of its Hele-On Get Your Shot! campaign.

“For many people in communities across the County, transportation is a constant barrier to getting to their doctor’s visits, grocery stores, and other appointments. This barrier was made even more complex by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the populations most in need of the vaccine are unable to get to their vaccine appointment,” said John Andoh, Interim Mass Transit Administrator. “We are ensuring that through Hele-On, transportation is not a barrier to the COVID-19 vaccine on island and we are excited to work with Uber to facilitate this partnership.”

Nationally, Uber has pledged to provide up to 10 million free or discounted rides to help people get vaccinated, particularly in “communities of color that have been disproportionately hurt by the pandemic,” as the company said in December.

“We’re proud to support transit agencies like Hele-On as they continue to facilitate vaccinations and positive health outcomes by leveraging Uber’s on-demand platform,” said Teague Kirkpatrick, Customer Success Manager at Uber.

Participants can get access to up to four free rides (up to $15 each trip) to and from vaccination appointments. Any amount over $15 will be automatically charged to the user’s debit or credit card on file with the user’s Uber account.
To receive a voucher to book COVID-19 vaccine trips through Uber, visit the Hele-On section of the Hawai´i County website.

To learn where you can get vaccination in Hawai’i County, visit the Civil Defense section of the county’s website.

This promotion runs through Dec. 31, 2021, or while funding lasts. For more information about Hele-On, call (808) 961-8744, TDD: 711 though the relay service, email heleonbus@hawaiicounty.gov, visit www.heleonbus.org or find Hele-On Bus on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or You Tube.