Uber Offers Free Ride Program for Big Brothers, Big Sisters in Boston

Boston, MA - Billed as the first program of its kind in the country, Uber -- under threat in Boston -- debuts new ride program to transport volunteers to the community's neediest areas.

The partnership between the mobile ride-hailing company and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay was announced Monday by city Councilor Tito Jackson.

Through a six-month pilot, Uber will offer free rides on Saturdays and Sundays to mentors for children in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program who live in Boston neighborhoods considered underserved by public transportation.

That includes Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roslindale and Roxbury, where BBBSM CEO Wendy Foster told reporters more than 600 young people are on the waiting list for mentor matches.

New mentors will have access to unlimited free rides through Uber's UberPOOL carpool program from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The free ride program launches as Uber faces a potential rewrite of the regulations governing taxis and so-called "ride-sharing" companies in the city and beyond.

>> Image via Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay