There are plenty of reasons to really, really dislike Uber, but this isn't one of them: Macomb County, Michigan, is offering free Uber rides to jurors just minding their civic duty.
The app-activated car service teamed up with the Michigan county for a 60-day trial period in which jurors are given credit for $40 in total, or $20 per way, meant to cover rides from the front door to the courthouse and back. Considering how little jurors are paid for their service — in Michigan, they receive $25 for the first full day of service and $40 for each subsequent full day — a free ride without the worry of paying for gas or a bus pass can be a huge relief.
"The right to a jury of your peers is fundamental to our democracy, and Uber is helping Macomb County put innovation into the justice system to safeguard this right," said Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds Carmella Sabaugh. "Uber's technology connects jurors with safe rides, frees up parking in the city, and creates an opportunity for Macomb County residents to earn extra cash by driving jurors to court to do their civic duty."
For now, Uber is covering the entire cost of the trial program; after the 60 days are up, it's anyone's guess as to whether the county will be able to secure further funding to continue the service.
Photo: Adam Fagen | Flickr
