Bangalore, November 1 2017:   Cab aggregation leader Uber,  has launched initiatives to make its service friendlier to senior citizens and  those with physical challenges. 
The   heightened services - uberACCESS and uberASSIST  - are supported by tech solutions leader Mphasis as part of its corporate social responsibility.
 uberACCESS an Asia-first launch for Uber in Bangalore, is a forward-facing wheelchair accessible product. This option offers 50 retrofitted vehicles, with heightened roof and hydraulic wheelchair lift on-demand.
uberASSIST is an option for those who require additional assistance – such as senior citizens and people with accessibility needs, including those who may just feel more comfortable with extra assistance when getting from door-to-door. A fleet of 500 uberASSIST vehicles accommodate most foldable wheelchairs.
Riders can request uberASSIST rides starting today and will soon be able to book uberACCESS rides, the forward-facing wheelchair accessible product, on-demand. Trained and certified by Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre (DEOC), all driver-partners are equipped with required skills to assist passengers with accessibility needs as well as those who need additional assistance during their ride.
Says Amit Jain, President, Uber India and South Asia: “At Uber, we believe in creating transportation options that fit every rider’s need.  The launch of uberASSIST and uberACCESS furthers our efforts in this direction. We are excited to partner with, and thank, Mphasis for playing a key role in helping us bring this idea to life. We aim to make these services available in more cities across the country”  
Adds Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Mphasis. “Over the years, Mphasis has pioneered various high impact initiatives in creating a barrier-free environment - be it through innovative services, policy advocacy or supporting accessible technology solutions. We combined our financial aid with a data-driven, strategic focus - the essential inputs for creating sustainable and scalable impact in our communities. ” 
More details: uberACCESS vehicles are rear-entry, which means that riders face forward when they’re travelling, 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 the floor to ensure it stays put during the trip. uberASSIST and uberACCESS are not ambulance services, but a new choice for riders in need of assistance during their daily travels, whether they are riders with special needs or senior citizens.
To access uberASSIST/uberACCESS in Bangalore
1. Open the Uber app
2. Enter destination
3. Slide to the right and select uberASSIST/uberACCESS
4. Confirm pick-up location and request ride