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Beginning in late September 2026, GoDurham ACCESS will incorporate Uber as a third-party supplemental shared-ride provider. Uber will join our existing supplemental ride providers, SilverRide and UZURV. Uber will operate as a shared-ride service, meaning riders traveling in the same direction will be grouped together on the same ride.
Below are key details about this upcoming addition.
Why are we adding Uber as a supplemental ride operator?
By including Uber as an additional ride operator, we are able to create a more fluid and efficient transit network. Instead of a single vehicle picking up one passenger at a time, driving to a destination for a drop-off, then repeating this process for every single individual trip, this system will group riders traveling along the same route into a shared vehicle.
This change to our operations will provide key benefits to riders:
- We will have more availability for rides. Vehicles will be able to finish trips faster, allowing drivers to take on additional rides that would not have been previously available.
- Our on-time pickups will increase, and late drop-offs will decrease. Drivers will be able to stay closer on schedule because they aren't spending time picking up and dropping off individuals for single trips, and then getting delayed in traffic. This should allow for drivers to pick you up and drop you off closer to your requested time.
Who is eligible to ride with Uber? What if I don’t want to be on any Uber rides?
Only riders who have already opted into our third-party supplemental service rides with SilverRide or UZURV will be assigned Uber rides. If you are currently using SilverRide or UZURV, you will also be automatically enrolled with Uber. However, if you do not wish to ride with Uber, you can opt out at any time by calling our team at (919) 560-1551.
Because Uber drivers will be using their personal vehicles to provide rides, they will not be able to accommodate riders with large mobility aids. Riders who require additional accommodations will be scheduled for rides on the wheelchair-accessible GoDurham ACCESS vehicles, and this change will not affect you.
When will this service start?
The service is scheduled to be implemented in late September 2026. Prior to the full rollout, we will have a test period to ensure that Uber properly integrates seamlessly with our operations and the GoDurham ACCESS app.
How will booking and riding work?
The booking process will remain completely unchanged. There will be no changes to how you can book your ride. You will continue to schedule rides through our available methods:
- Call (919) 560-155
- Text (984) 342-4446
- Use the GoDurham ACCESS app.
After you schedule a trip, be ready for your ride 15 minutes before the given pickup time. In preparation for your ride, note that Uber vehicles will not have a GoDurham ACCESS decal or any logos on the vehicle. Instead, you will receive a notification prior to the car arriving with safety details in order to identify your ride. These details will include:
- The car's make, model, and color
- The license plate number
- Your driver's name
You may expect to ride with up to 3 other passengers.
How much will Uber rides cost?
There is no cost to our clients. All GoDurham ACCESS trips that are assigned to Uber will operate under our fare-free policy.
What are the operating hours and service areas?
Uber rides are available to clients during our standard operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
- Sunday and holidays, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Uber will provide rides throughout the standard GoDurham ACCESS service area, which is anywhere within Durham’s city limits, specifically within 3/4th of a mile of a fixed-route bus stop.
What safety standards and driver requirements are in place for Uber drivers?
All Uber drivers receive guidelines for assisting clients with disabilities. Drivers will receive ADA training from Uber in handling the accessibility needs of our clients. Uber drivers will also have background checks, motor vehicle record checks, and take drug screenings.