Uber's disabled service launches in Wolverhampton

The taxi-giant launched its uberACCESS option yesterday allowing disabled passengers to order vehicles with a rear-entry ramp and restraints.

The scheme was previously only available to customers in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Kieran Harte, manager of Uber in the West Midlands, said: “Already thousands of people in Wolverhampton use Uber to get from A to B. With the launch of uberACCESS we can now offer the same reliable option for wheelchair users to travel on their terms at the touch of a button.”

Uber has revolutionised the way people order taxis by using an app on their mobile phone – but has also been highly controversial.

Last month members of the Wolverhampton Private Hire Drivers Association (WPHDA) claimed they have had to drastically drop prices to hold on to customers in the face of increasing competition from rival firms like Uber.

And in June an Uber driver refused to pick up wheelchair tennis star Jordanne Whiley as he was unwilling to have her wheelchairs and luggage in his car, she claimed.

The star, from Halesowen, was beginning her journey to compete in the French Open when she was left stranded on her driveway.

Uber says its new service requires no advance planning and wheelchair users can book a car at the same price as its uberX option.

Mr Harte, added: "For many wheelchair users, getting from A to B affordably can be a daily challenge. Public transport is not always accessible and taxis can be an expensive way to travel.

"With the launch of uberACCESS, users now have a new option and the ability to book a convenient and reliable ride at the touch a button at the same cost as our uberX fares."

The firm says users can expect an average wait time of 20 minutes and will be working hard to keep waiting times as low as possible as the service expands.

It added drivers will have received Disability Equality Training and are licensed for private hire by a local authority and have gone through an enhanced DBS check

Elias Mattu, Mayor of Wolverhampton said: "I am delighted by the service that is provided, especially the launch of uberACCESS. This is a brilliant product for local wheelchair users, and I welcome this investment in the City of Wolverhampton."

Ruth Owen, Chief Executive of wheelchair charity Whizz-Kidz, said:"When Uber launched wheelchair accessible vehicles in London, many of the young people we work with told us how useful it was to have another option for getting across town. We are delighted that more disabled young people in the will now be able to take advantage of this brilliant service."