Uber announced on Monday it will begin offering free rides to seniors in Northeast Philadelphia through its special program for older adults.
The rideshare company said the expansion of the “Senior Ride Program” reflects its commitment to ensuring seniors can access transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies and grocery stores.
“Our seniors are the backbone of Northeast Philadelphia, and they deserve transportation that works for them,” State Rep. Sean Dougherty said. “After seeing the success of this program in other parts of the city, I knew we needed to bring these resources to our neighborhoods. By facilitating this partnership between Uber and KleinLife, we are providing a vital lifeline that ensures no senior is left isolated or forced to skip a medical appointment because they lack the means of getting there.”
The program was launched in collaboration with local nonprofits during the SEPTA service cuts in the summer of 2025 for West and Northwest Philadelphia seniors.
According to the company, the pilot program has been “highly successful,” and that’s why it is partnering with KleinLife to expand its coverage area.
“We are proud to see the Senior Ride Program’s expansion and excited to launch this collaboration with KleinLife,” Jazmin Kay, Uber’s spokesperson, said. “Our work in West Philadelphia proved that when you provide a reliable alternative to traditional transit, you don’t just move people from point A to point B—rideshare access is critical to reduce isolation, create independence, and improve well-being for local seniors.”
Seniors will have two ways to access the program. Those who are comfortable using smartphones can use direct vouchers by entering promotional codes within the Uber app, while those without smartphones can rely on KleinLife staff to schedule rides on their behalf.
The program’s expansion comes amid a proposed $1 per ride tax for rideshares to help close the School District of Philadelphia’s $300 million budget gap.
During a news conference on Monday, March 23, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced she amended her initial proposal of 20 cents per ride tax to $1. According to the mayor, the increase would generate approximately $24 million for the school district in Fiscal Year 2027 and deliver $48 million in recurring funding starting in Fiscal Year 2028.
If approved, the tax would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Parker also said the tax would be applied to rideshare companies, rather than individual drivers. Uber, however, has said that the customers would be responsible for the increased cost.
Ahead of Parker’s announcement, Jazmin Kay, an Uber spokesperson, sent a statement speaking out against the mayor’s proposal.
“The 5x hike of the Mayor’s proposed rideshare tax will hurt drivers and hit everyday Philadelphians, making rides less affordable and threatening critical access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services,” Kay wrote. “This double tax worsens Philadelphia’s affordability and transportation crisis, even though rideshare already provides millions to city schools annually through existing taxes.”