Standing with San Francisco During COVID-19
Dear community,
Here we are. It would have been impossible to imagine just a month ago how drastically all of our lives would change. Given the circumstances, I thought I would share with you how Cruise is navigating this unprecedented health and economic crisis and how we are trying to do our part, however small that may be, to support our fellow Cruisers and our community.
Standing with San Francisco during COVID-19
As a San Francisco-based company, in line with initial guidance from Mayor London Breed and her team of public health officials, Cruise has currently suspended its on road testing operations.
While our fleet of colorfully named and colorfully wrapped all-electric autonomous vehicles is grounded, the majority of Cruisers are working from home. We will continue to work with the city, our employees, and our communities to offer our support.
Donating to Give2SF to support San Franciscans and small businesses
Cruise’s mission is to build the world’s most advanced self-driving vehicles to safely connect people to the places and experiences they care about, which makes us acutely aware of the impact this pandemic has had on San Francisco and, in particular, its most vulnerable citizens. As part of a broader effort to help our home city, Cruise co-founders Kyle Vogt and Dan Kan and our employees are pledging personal funds to the City and County of San Francisco’s COVID-19 response and recovery fund, Give2SF. The goal of the fund is to help the city address its most pressing needs like providing access to food, housing and financial relief for individuals and small businesses.
We know this is just one of the many relief efforts, and the totality of what’s needed is extensive. It’s our hope that these efforts collectively can help support those who need it most.
Denouncing racist and xenophobic behavior with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group
Challenging times can be a catalyst for fear or for solidarity. Cruise released a joint statement organized by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group condemning recent incidents of xenophobia and racism targeting Asian Americans during this pandemic. We believe that it is incumbent on all of us to denounce all instances of hateful rhetoric and discrimination, and that the diversity of our city is one of its greatest strengths and proudest achievements.
Staying focused on our mission to deliver more accessible, eco-friendly and safe transportation
Lastly, one of the difficulties of stopping COVID-19 is the uncertainty. At Cruise, we are seeking an element of comfort by maintaining our focus on the spirit and core values of our founding: to deliver a more accessible, environmentally friendly, and — above all — safe transportation alternative. That’s why Cruise is continuing to run millions of simulations per day in order to continue advancing our technology and ultimately, create a safer transportation option for everyone.
Ways to support our community
- Support San Francisco small businesses through the SF Council District of Merchants Associations Fund.
- Contribute to the County and City of SF.
- Donate blood to the American Red Cross of Northern California.
- Bid at the Richmond Neighborhood Center’s online auction or support your local neighborhood center here.
- Stay safe by staying at home.
We are committed to our goals, and we are committed to this city, which we so proudly share with many of you. Most of all, we are committed to the belief that collectively through actions big and small we can, and must, help each other through this challenging moment.
Sincerely,
Rob Grant
Vice President of Global Government Affairs
