TEXAS — ​Ride-hailing service Uber is taking a stand against domestic violence and will now offer around 1,000 free rides to domestic violence victims in Texas looking to escape their abusers.

The ride donation is part of Uber’s Driving Change initiative. The company is partnering with the Texas Council on Family Violence to make it happen.

Uber drivers in seven Texas cities, including Austin, Denton, and San Antonio, will pick up abuse survivors fleeing violent situations and drive them to seek help, completely free of charge.

Organizers say that, due to the pandemic, many survivors have been isolated at home with their abusers, and a free ride could be their first step on the journey to freedom.

Texas domestic violence programs will be set up with their own Uber accounts, where staff and volunteers can send victims vouchers for a free ride or call the ride on behalf of the victim.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit tcfv.org to locate a program near you, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS is to 22522.