(Black PR Wire) (FOX CT) NEW HAVEN — Uber and the Greater New Haven branch of the NAACP teamed up Tuesday to announce a new partnership called “UberUP.” Uber’s Urban Partnership will focus “on a commitment to provide reliable transportation and economic opportunity for workers in traditionally underserved communities.”

“We’ve joined forces with the NAACP, The WorkPlace and Workforce Alliance to work toward eliminating economic barriers in communities around Connecticut,” Uber says.

Earlier this year, a joint report published by the NAACP’s Greater New Haven branch, the Workforce Alliance and Data Haven found that transportation barrier issues are a major contributor to prolonged, chronic unemployment in New Haven.

“The lack of transportation is the number one obstacle for employment for the low wage worker and any increase in the variety and flexibility of transportation options is good news for the jobseeker. Getting into the Uber business is an excellent entrepreneurial opportunity for individuals looking for both part-time and full-time employment,” said William P. Villano, President & CEO Workforce Alliance at a Tuesday press conference.

Since Uber launched in Connecticut one year ago, 25% of all trips have either started or ended within an 1/8th of a mile of a Metro North station, according to the company. Now, they hope to help people access jobs more easily in their communities.

Uber says they committ to partnering with 1,500 drivers in urban Connecticut communities over the next year.

“The Connecticut NAACP & Uber partnership helps brings jobs and greater economic opportunities to the inner cities of Connecticut. The Connecticut NAACP is committed to thinking out of the box and creating new relationships that deliver economic substance for the communities we serve,” said Scot X Esdaile, President NAACP Connecticut and National Board of Directors.