Little Brothers–Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) announced on its website that its RIDE program, launched in 2022 with donated Uber rides, has provided thousands of trips to help seniors reach medical appointments, therapy sessions, and community activities. The program includes support through Uber Assist.
According to LBFE, the RIDE program was initiated to address transportation barriers faced by older adults living alone or without consistent access to reliable mobility options. The initiative uses donated Uber rides to connect seniors to healthcare visits, social activities, and essential services, aiming to reduce isolation and increase independence. The organization said that the partnership with Uber reflects its mission to ensure that older adults remain active, engaged, and able to participate fully in their communities.
The San Francisco chapter of LBFE reports that participants in the RIDE program are eligible for two round-trip Uber rides per month, arranged by staff at least 24 hours in advance. Thousands of rides have already been provided to seniors who rely on LBFE’s support for transportation to medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions, and community events. By helping older adults maintain consistent access to healthcare and social engagement, LBFE notes that the program has improved both physical health outcomes and emotional well-being among participants.
Uber’s newsroom states that the inclusion of Uber Assist in LBFE’s RIDE program ensures that seniors with mobility challenges can safely enter and exit vehicles with help from specially trained drivers. These drivers receive accessibility training to support riders using mobility devices like walkers or folding wheelchairs. Uber said that partnerships like this one demonstrate its commitment to using technology to improve transportation access for vulnerable populations, especially those who face physical or social barriers to travel.
According to its official mission statement, Little Brothers–Friends of the Elderly is a nonprofit organization founded in 1959 dedicated to alleviating loneliness and isolation among older adults through friendship, advocacy, and community-based programs. The organization operates local chapters in several U.S. cities offering volunteer companionship, social outings, technology access, and transportation services like the RIDE program. LBFE’s collaboration with Uber exemplifies its focus on fostering inclusion and independence among seniors by leveraging partnerships that connect technology with compassion.
