Ridesharing for Seniors: What You Should Know

If you, as a senior adult, have given up driving as a matter of health and safety – you are to be commended. Or, if you can still drive but would rather not deal with traffic, parking, navigating, maintaining a vehicle or paying to insure it, this doesn’t mean you have to be reliant on friends, family, or public transportation for rides. Nor do you need to stay isolated in your home.

When it comes to ridesharing for seniors, options abound. Companies offering ridesharing services are available across the country, and some cater specifically to older adults. Let’s look at a few of them:

Ridesharing Services

There are an increasing number of ridesharing companies. Most of them provide services confined to certain regions or cities. The two biggest national ridesharing options are Lyft and Uber, both of which require a certain level of understanding of technology.

Lyft

To access Lyft, you will need to download a free app on your phone. Once you do that and you open the app, you can enter your starting address and your drop-off location. You can then select your car choice based on how much you want to pay, tap ‘Select Lyft,’ confirm or change your pickup location and tap ‘Confirm and request.’

You can also request rides online, with the option of allowing someone else to request a ride for you.

Additionally, Lively has teamed up with Lyft to simplify ridesharing for seniors. Using Lively, the process for less tech-savvy customers to procure a ride is simple:

• Press “0” on a Lively phone, and an operator will ask you where you would like to go. You will then receive an estimated arrival time and cost.
• Let the operator know if you will need assistance climbing into or out of the vehicle.
• Once you confirm your Lyft ride, a driver will be on the way, and you’ll be notified when they arrive.
• There is no need to carry cash to pay the driver. The fare will automatically be added to your next monthly Lively bill.
• To get back home from your destination, just dial “0” again on your Lively phone and an operator will send a car to your location.

Lively Rides are currently available wherever the Lyft service operates.

Wheelchair policy. Ridesharing for seniors with limited mobility is made accessible by policies like Lyft’s, which requires drivers to transport riders who use foldable mobility devices, and to assist riders in the storage of these devices, unless physically unable to do so. Wheelchairs and scooters that can safely and securely fit in the vehicle’s trunk or backseat, without obstructing the driver’s view, must be accommodated.

Driver checks. Lyft drivers must complete a criminal background check, and a review of their driving history. Lyft has a no smoking policy for drivers, as well as a zero tolerance policy for drug or alcohol use. Drivers must be at least 21 years old, have a minimum of one year of driving experience, have a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration, and carry car insurance. Some regions require a vehicle inspection as well.

Lyft ride modes. There are a number of Lyft ride modes, depending upon the number of passengers being transported – whether you want to share a ride with other passengers, pay extra for a priority pickup, or ride in a newer, more spacious car through their Preferred mode. In this mode, you can let the driver know if you want a quiet ride, have bags or luggage, and have a vehicle temperature preference. (“Preferred” is only available in some markets.)

Uber

Uber operates in much the same way and offers similar accessibility services as Lyft.

However, some sites note that using the current Uber app can be overwhelming and complex for seniors.

Uber features Uber Health, which enables healthcare organizations to arrange rides on the behalf of patients.

Uber also provides for a friend or relative to arrange for an Uber pickup so a senior without a smartphone can get a ride.

RideWith24

RideWith24 is a service that connects riders with on-demand rides without the use of a smartphone or app. In cities where RideWith24 is available, you can make a simple phone call to request a ride. If you are a new rider, a credit card is required and saved in a secure database. After you provide your payment information, all you would need to do is tell RideWith24 where you need to be picked up and where you need to go. Services include:

• Transportation and assistance to and from doctor’s appointments.
• Pickup and drop-off from surgery
• Transportation to and from errands (grocery shopping, family visits, banking, pharmacy, etc.)
• Provision of a travel companion for vacations and family visits within the U.S. Assistance with check in and out, carry luggage, track medication and diet, and rent a vehicle.

Note: RideWith24 is only offered in Arizona, California, and Texas.  

Costs

There is some disagreement as to whether ridesharing services are more economical than a taxi. Ridesharing has its advantages and disadvantages.

Even comparing costs between the two ridesharing giants is complex, given the different service levels and additional costs if you need a ride during a time and at a place with heavy traffic volume.  Here is information on how to estimate a Lyft ride’s cost.

GoGoGrandparent

GoGoGrandparent is a concierge service available throughout the U.S. and Canada that will schedule ridesharing for seniors. By calling 1(855) 464-6872, you can request an Uber or Lyft driver to your home. You can also request meals delivered from local restaurants delivered by services like DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates, and Uber Eats.

Groceries can be delivered from local supermarkets. Visit the site to learn more.

GoGo memberships start at $9.99 per month.

Visit our blog to find more safety tips for independent seniors.