Uber South Africa has launched a new initiative focussed on improving accessible transportation with an event titled Reimagining Mobility. The gathering brought together leaders from the disability community, policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss practical ways to make transport systems more inclusive.

As part of the initiative, Uber announced major updates to its Uber Assist service. The upgraded product now includes a national driver training programme delivered both in person and online, a dedicated fleet to improve ride reliability, plus a feature allowing riders to identify the presence of service animals in advance.

Shonaquip, a South African social enterprise focussed on mobility and posture support, is partnering with Uber and will be training over 1200 drivers by October 2025. The training includes accredited modules on disability awareness, rider assistance protocols and service animal etiquette. Drivers will be required to complete annual refresher courses to maintain service standards.

The event, held in Johannesburg, featured interactive exhibits and a panel discussion highlighting the role of assistive technology and the everyday experiences of people with disabilities. Speakers stressed that accessibility, autonomy and dignity must be built into transport systems as core principles, not added later as optional features.

“We know that true inclusion cannot be achieved through scale alone. It takes design, intention and trusted partnerships,” said Deepesh Thomas, GM for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our work with Shonaquip reflects our commitment to building solutions with communities, not just for them.”

Caren Pretorius, a seating practitioner and occupational therapist at Shonaquip, emphasised the importance of direct engagement with affected communities. “True inclusion happens when those most affected are brought into the conversation from the start,” said Pretorius. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Uber to help shape a service that reflects real needs.”

Deputy Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Letsike, addressed the event virtually and underscored the importance of accessible transport as a legal and social obligation. “Inclusive mobility is not a nice-to-have. It is a constitutional right and a national imperative,” said Letsike. “When platforms like Uber step up with structured action, we move closer to real equity.”

Uber has committed to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with its advocacy partners as the updated Uber Assist programme rolls out. Shonaquip and other stakeholders will remain involved to provide feedback and oversight, ensuring the service continues to evolve based on community needs.

“We’ve listened, we’ve partnered and now we’re calling on others to join us,” said Thomas. “This is about doing the right thing, working together and listening closely to communities as we continue to shape accessible mobility.”