Uber has launched a new feature for riders with service animals across the United States.
The feature allows service animal handlers to self-identify in the app and automatically notify drivers at pickup that they’re traveling with their service animal.
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The feature’s images, including what drivers see, and a video about it can be found below.
The ride-share company said it spent two years designing and building the feature in consultation with advocates and service animal handlers.
Uber’s goal with self-ID is to foster clearer communication and greater confidence among riders and drivers throughout their journey with the company.
Riders with service animals can follow these simple steps to enable the feature:
1. Tap Account > Settings
2. Tap Accessibility and select Service animal
3. Tap Complete eligibility form
4. Complete the eligibility form
5. Select I will ride with my service animal
6. Choose whether you want drivers to be notified of this information
If a rider opts to notify drivers that they’re traveling with a service animal and a driver requests to cancel their trip at pickup, the driver will receive an in-app notification reminding them that it is against the law to refuse to transport someone because of their service animal and confirming that they wish to proceed with the cancellation.
Uber is also investing in new measures to improve the reporting process for riders with service animals.
If a self-identified service animal owner experiences a driver cancellation at pick-up, the company said it will proactively send an in-app message to the rider immediately after the cancellation, asking what happened so it can provide additional support.
