The app is partnering with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to issue AMBER alerts to its drivers – notifying them about public about children in danger in their nearby area.
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The overarching aim is to have as many eyes and ears on the lookout for anything that could help bring children home safely.
“Uber’s presence in communities all across the country will be an incredible asset”, said Robert Hoever, a special programs director for missing children at NCMEC.
Beginning Wednesday, the Amber Alert system developed by the Denver office of Uber Technologies Inc. will now be able to send Amber Alert texts to Uber drivers in 180 US cities, according to Uber.
The Uber network covers approximately 75% of the USA population, according to the company.
Uber will now catch up with others in the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry in New York City, which have been receiving Amber Alerts for years, said Taxi and Limousine Commission officials. The program piloted in Colorado several months ago, so it’s great to see that it’s been successful enough to reach out to the entire nation.
Uber has announced a new initiative that aims to put its network of always-connected drivers to good use in helping to protect children.
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AMBER alerts are issued across multiple mediums, including TV and radio, and the system has helped recover 772 children since its inception.
