Uber will provide subsidized rides to a select number of ‘Bigs’ in underserved neighborhoods of Boston.

Boston, MA – May 30, 2016 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, one of the nation’s leading one-to-one mentoring programs, today announced the launch of a new pilot program in partnership with Uber. The six-month pilot program will enable 50 Big Brothers and Big Sisters to travel with UberPOOL at no cost on Saturdays and Sundays to meet with their Little Brothers and Little Sisters in Boston’s underserved neighborhoods.

With more than 600 youth waiting for a mentor in the City of Boston, this pilot will directly address the underserved neighborhoods of Roslindale, Mattapan, Dorchester, Hyde Park and Roxbury. Historically, these areas have the longest wait due to the limited public transportation and inaccessibility for many volunteers without a car. Through the Uber partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay can provide service to youth in those areas that are hard to reach by public transit.

“Uber is a rapidly growing company known for its innovation in transportation, so we are thrilled to partner with them,” said Wendy Foster, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. “We pride ourselves in constantly evaluating how we can better serve the community, and with many youth waiting to be matched in areas limited by public transportation, the Uber relationship is powerful. This pilot program will make it possible for Bigs without a car to get to the kids and communities who need us the most. This partnership could really be a game changer.”

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay has been transforming and inspiring communities for decades and we are excited to work with them to help open doors and connect mentors to youth in Boston’s underserved neighborhoods. As a global leader in transportation, this collaboration represents our important commitment to not only giving back, but innovating within a community we call home,” said Chris Taylor, Uber Boston General Manager.

50 Bigs will be selected for the pilot by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay over the 6 month period based on their geography, access to transportation options and interest in being matched with youth from the waiting lists in Roslindale, Mattapan, Dorchester, Hyde Park and Roxbury. Selected Bigs will be able to access a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay account on Uber that will enable him or her to travel to and from their Little Brother or Little Sister’s home, and with their Little Brother or Little Sister to activities in the Boston area. The option is available on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Little Brothers and Little Sisters will only be allowed to travel via Uber when accompanied by their Bigs. There will be no cost to the Bigs during these time periods, and UberPOOL drivers will be fully compensated for the value of each ride.

For more information about the partnership, please visit bbbsmb.staging.wpengine.com.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 2,100 youth by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is working to ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Massachusetts Bay by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, brighter futures and stronger communities. To learn more, visit bbbsmb.staging.wpengine.com.

About Uber
Uber is a technology platform that is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. From our founding in 2009 to our launches in over 400 cities today, Uber’s rapidly expanding global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer. Follow us on Twitter: @Uber and find us on Facebook: Uber.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Katie Kennedy
Version 2.0 Communications for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mass Bay
kkennedy@v2comms.com
617-426-2222

Rich Greif, VP of Marketing and Community Engagement
RGreif@bbbsmb.org