Briana Gilmore, Head of Global Accessibility Policy at Uber, said that the company is proud that Uber's Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) service played a role in helping someone safely evacuate during the California wildfires. This statement was made to Business Daily on January 30.
"We are deeply moved by this story and proud that Uber WAV played a part in helping someone safely evacuate during such a critical time," said Gilmore. "Accessibility is a key focus for Uber, and we're committed to providing reliable transportation options when people need us most. People with disabilities who use rideshare rely on Uber as mobility insurance and to meet food security needs 3x more than users without disabilities. Our goal is to provide inclusive and affordable on-demand options in times of crisis and every day. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the California wildfires, and we thank the first responders, our drivers, and community members working tirelessly to keep people safe."
According to The Guardian, during the recent California wildfires, a wheelchair user named Galen Buckwalter received an evacuation order around 9:30 PM when the Eaton fire threatened his home in Sierra Madre. Without access to his adapted van, which was under repair, a friend reminded him of Uber's WAV service. Buckwalter successfully used the Uber app to arrange a WAV ride, facilitating his evacuation to safety.
Uber has implemented various initiatives to enhance accessibility, including introducing features like VoiceOver and TalkBack to assist riders who are blind or have low vision. The company also offers Uber WAV in select cities, providing on-demand rides for passengers with mobility needs. Additionally, according to their website, Uber collaborates with public transportation systems to strengthen existing services and close gaps in paratransit, ensuring smoother multimodal travel experiences.
In response to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Uber and Postmates pledged up to $3 million to support relief efforts across Southern California communities. Additionally, they offered free rides up to $40 to active evacuation centers using the code "WILDFIRE25." The company also partnered with jewelry company Shopcoopla to organize a donation site for LA wildfire recovery.
As per her LinkedIn profile, Gilmore is the Head of Global Accessibility Policy at Uber, a role she has held since May 2022. She has experience in policy analysis, communications, and advocacy, previously working as a policy consultant and holding leadership positions at Community Access. Gilmore holds a BA in Political Science and Sociology from Hofstra University and an MSc in International Development from the University of Amsterdam.
Uber Technologies, Inc., according to their website, is a global mobility platform that provides ride-hailing, food delivery, freight, and business travel solutions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, they operate in over 70 countries. The company has committed to becoming a fully electric, zero-emission platform by 2040 and integrates technology to enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability in transportation.