Paving the way for better health: A public–private collaboration to break down transportation barriers for veterans

Millions of people in the United States delay or forgo medical care because of transportation challenges, contributing to adverse health outcomes and significant financial losses for health care providers. These barriers disproportionately impact older adults, children, women, persons of color, individuals with disabilities, low-income populations, those with chronic diseases, and veterans. The Veterans Health Administration–Uber Health Connect (VUHC) Initiative is a public–private collaboration designed to provide a rideshare transportation option to help veterans overcome transportation barriers. The pilot launched in January 2022 and was rolled out enterprise-wide in 2024. Between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024, the service provided 263,294 rides to 38,399 unique veterans, ensuring continuity of care and timely ED and inpatient discharges. The VUHC Initiative serves as a blueprint that other health care systems can implement to address transportation barriers, increase patient access to care, and improve health equity.