CAN UBER GET ON A MILITARY BASE? PILOT PROGRAM AIMS TO MAKE IT EASIER
If you need to get around town, calling an Uber is a common way to get there. Yet, for military members living on base, this comes with complications. Of course, there are common sense reasons that not just anyone can or should be able to access a military base, but when it comes to rideshares, troops can use a bit of a change. Now, a collaboration between the U.S. Army, Uber, and Lyft is working on finding a solution.
Can Uber Get On a Military Base?
Right now, getting an Uber or Lyft is difficult for military members who reside on base. Receiving access is complicated, if it’s even possible, depending on the location, making it difficult for some troops to navigate where they live.
Fortunately, the Army is testing a new program to help provide greater access to Uber and Lyft drivers who are vetted and approved by the military.
The Army’s New Ridesharing Pilot Program
A new pilot program will take place for two months in 2025, allowing greater access for ridesharing services to reach Soldiers.
Both Uber and Lyft are going to be able to access six bases during this period, providing over 600,000 people with more ridesharing options.
The military communities of Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Schofield Barracks; Fort Shafter; and Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii are all part of the program.
If successful, more Soldiers could have the option of using these popular rideshare services, as the plan is to expand the program to more than 20 bases.
“This pilot is our response to see if we can safely collaborate with the ride-share industry to simplify transportation options for everyone living on, working on, or even visiting our camps, posts, and installations,” said Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer.
“We heard you and agree, it shouldn't be so hard to coordinate transportation onto our installations, but also in and around some of our larger ones,” Weimer continued.
How It Works
During the two-month ridesharing pilot program, drivers accepted after being vetted by the FBI’s National Crime Information Center and Terrorist Screening Database will be available for Soldiers, personnel, and their families.
Drivers who do pass the background check won’t have to get visitors’ passes each time they go to the base and will simply show that they’re hailing a client on their smartphones while also IDing who they’re picking up.
This credential can be digital or physical, and drivers will be able to pick up their passengers at the front gate, streamlining the experience for everyone.
“We are proud to partner with the Army to expand rideshare operations for service members and their families. This initiative underscores Uber’s commitment to reliable transportation access, and will help to strengthen connections with surrounding communities and boost the local economies around these bases,” said Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi.
In total, there are more than 800 rideshare drivers who will be a part of the program with hopes to expand in the future.
Having Uber and Lyft Access Military Bases Could Fill a Notable Gap
Making sure troops have access to ridesharing apps is not a new initiative, as proven by the steps taken at Fort Carson, Colorado, previously, despite not even being a part of the current program.
“Since June 2023, Fort Carson has partnered with local ride-sharing companies to provide transportation services to, from, and around post, as well as food delivery services for Soldiers and their Families,” said garrison spokesperson Dee McNutt.
The lack of consistent public transportation has been a problem for years on military bases; even with collaborations through local taxi services, improvements have been needed.
A number of factors, including isolated locations and a lack of vehicles for junior enlisted troops, can make it difficult.
“Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we're able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life,” said Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
So, while you can get an Uber or Lyft on base for now, it’s still not widespread. Still, there’s hope to expand the program, improving transportation for warfighters, essential personnel, and their families around the United States.
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