The ride-sharing mobile app Uber has announced that from November 2024, new features will be available for those looking to get around four major Swiss cities. The two new features are aimed at families and those with limited mobility.
In a statement released in November, the company confirmed that it had launched two services in Switzerland for the very first time: Uber Assist and Uber Childseat. These options are now bookable on your mobile phone for journeys in and around Zurich, Basel, Lausanne and Geneva.
The international company explained that Uber Assist is targeted at older people and those with disabilities. Drivers who take Uber Assist passengers are specially trained by Touring Club Switzerland or Procap, meaning they are qualified to assist passengers in and out of their vehicle and can securely store and unload assistive devices.
In addition, all rides booked via Uber Assist will be the same price as Uber X. However, Assist remains unsuitable for those in wheelchairs, with the company telling Watson in a statement that they are still working on expanding barrier-free vehicle services in Switzerland.
As its name suggests, Uber Childseat allows users to book taxi services which have a child seat included. According to Swiss law, children under 12 years old or under 150 centimetres tall need to ride in a child seat, meaning many families were previously unable to use the app.
The only catch? Unlike Assist, parents needing to take their children in an Uber will have to pay an extra charge of three Swiss francs.