Uber Launches New Delivery Services in South Africa – Uber Direct, Uber Connect
Ride-hailing company, Uber has launched two new additional delivery services in South Africa.
The new delivery services follow the reduction in the demand for the usual ride-hailing service due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The nationwide lockdown allows the movement of only essential goods and this has affected retailers and other businesses.
Therefore, Uber Direct offers contactless deliveries from shops like pharmacies and pet stores, whereas Uber Connect is a courier service that enables Uber customers to send and receive items on the same day.
This new move by Uber will help individuals stay at home to reduce the spread of the virus.
Director for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, Alon Lits said “This is our broadest effort yet to help businesses meet the unprecedented demand for delivery, and helping people stay at home while still getting the items they need. Uber Direct also allows us to unlock economic opportunities for delivery people and drivers now and beyond the lockdown. Safety continues to be a top priority, and we are regularly providing drivers and delivery people with information to help them stay safe.”
Just recently, Uber entered a partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is quite clear that this partnership has aided in the introduction of Uber’s delivery services
Africa Director of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation emphasized that the initiative is part of the COVID19 response, “Finding innovative ways of protecting the most vulnerable populations is critical at this time and we are honored to be part of this innovation to get the medication in the hands of those who need it most.”
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Giovanni Perez, Chief Director of Metro District Health Services at the Western Cape Government Department of Health said, “This partnership is a great example of how the public and private sector can work together, regardless of any challenges, for the well-being of the people.“
Also, Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi said “Throughout this crisis, we’ve been looking for new ways our platform can help move essential goods for businesses and consumers while providing new earning opportunities for drivers. Our primary focus is immediate: quickly adapting our technology to meet the evolving needs of communities and companies.”
Aside from this new delivery in South Africa, Uber already had delivery services in other countries.
In New York, Uber is offering deliveries of over-the-counter medication from Cabinet stores. Also in Portugal, the company is working with the national post service, CTT, to deliver parcels. Uber in Australia is working with The Green Cross to deliver pet supplies.
Uber started in the year 2009 in San Francisco. Today the company has transformed the ride-hailing industry and is one of the valuable companies in the world.