U.S. Army Launches Pilot Program to Simplify Base Access for Uber and Lyft Drivers

The U.S. Army has announced a pilot program aimed at streamlining base access for ride-share drivers, making it easier for service members and their families to use Uber and Lyft on military installations.

The program, launched on March 24, will run for two months at six major Army bases. If successful, it could be expanded to additional installations across the country.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the day-to-day challenges faced by our soldiers,” said Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. “By partnering with ride-share companies, we can offer safe, reliable, and convenient transportation options that meet the unique needs of military families and enhance their overall quality of life.”

Cutting Through the Red Tape

Under current regulations, Uber and Lyft drivers must undergo time-consuming security procedures to enter Army installations. This includes obtaining a visitor pass at the gate, where drivers are required to show identification, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance. Complicating matters further, access policies vary from base to base.

In some cases, this has created frustrating delays for both passengers and drivers. Army spokesperson Dave Butler recalled that Secretary Driscoll himself faced this issue in September 2023 when calling an Uber to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia. The car was not permitted inside, forcing Driscoll to walk into the base from the gate. That experience helped inspire the new program.

How the Pilot Works

Under the pilot, ride-share drivers will undergo pre-screening through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Terrorist Screening Database. Once cleared, drivers will no longer need to request a visitor pass each time they pick up a passenger on base.

Instead, they’ll simply show the gate guard their ride request information on the app and provide the name of the rider. Only approved drivers will be allowed to accept trip requests to and from participating Army installations.

Uber confirmed that military passengers using the app at these bases will only be matched with drivers who have passed the necessary background checks and received base access authorization.

A Proven Model

The new Army program builds on a similar initiative already underway at Fort Carson in Colorado, which began in June 2023. At Fort Carson, pre-approved ride-share drivers are issued a one-year access card allowing them to enter the base through designated checkpoints.

If the Army’s new pilot program proves successful, it could pave the way for a standardized, military-wide system for ride-share access—something soldiers, families, and drivers have long called for.

(Reported by Task and Purpose and Business Insider)

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