Ridesharing service Uride is offering free rides to Sudbury business owners whose services have been deemed non-essential during the latest provincial stay-at-home order.
The company’s founder and CEO, Cody Ruberto, said Uride is offering local business owners $30 in ride credits, which can be redeemed for free rides through the service.
Ruberto said he’s hopeful the gesture will help provide a boost to small businesses that have had to close due to provincial COVID restrictions.
“They can use it for a giveaway contest to drum up demand when they are allowed to open, or they can use it themselves for essential rides,” Ruberto said in an April 8 news release.
“Small businesses need us now more than ever, and we hope that others will find creative ways to help.”
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This is not the first time Uride has extended a helping hand during the pandemic.
Last March in Timmins, the company provided two weeks’ worth of free rides to members of the public who wanted to avoid using public transit for health or other reasons.
Then in May, the company launched its Uride Services division, which provides delivery of groceries, medications, pet care items, and other products for people who are in quarantine or otherwise unable to make the trip themselves.
Ruberto launched Uride in his hometown of Thunder Bay in 2017, and it’s since branched out to North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, and Sault Ste. Marie, as well locations in southern Ontario, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
To inquire about the Uride offer, non-essential Sudbury businesses, such as salons, gyms, and retail stores, can email support@uridetech.com for more information.
