Hawaiʻi County’s Mass Transit Agency, Hele-on, is partnering with Uber to provide access to rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments throughout Big Island as part of its Hele-On Get Your Shot! campaign.

Participants can get access to up to four free rides (up to $15 each trip) to and from vaccination appointments.  Any amount over $15 will be automatically charged to the debit or credit card on file with the user’s Uber account.  Nationally, Uber has pledged to provide up to 10 million free or discounted rides to help people get vaccinated, particularly “communities of color that have been disproportionately hurt by the pandemic,” as the company said in December 2020.

In a press release John Andoh, Interim Mass Transit Administrator said,  “For many people in communities across the County, transportation is a constant barrier to getting to their doctor’s visits, grocery stores, and other appointments. This barrier was made even more complex by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the populations most in need of the vaccine are unable to get to their vaccine appointment.  We are ensuring that through Hele-On, transportation is not a barrier to the COVID-19 vaccine on island and we are excited to work with Uber to facilitate this partnership.”

Hele-On Get Your Shot! runs through December 31, 2021, or while funding lasts. For more information about Hele-On, please call (808) 961-8744 or visit www.heleonbus.org.