Alternative Transportation for Seniors
Networked Transportation Options Can Work Well for Seniors
Perhaps you’ve read about Uber in the newspaper, or heard of Lyft on TV. Both are new transportation alternatives to taxi services that are catching on in popularity with today’s youth. But if you’re a senior who has never tried these services, and are in need of transportation from time to time, you might want to give the services a try too.
Networked transportation services charge similar rates to taxis, although some say it’s less expensive and much easier to use, depending on the city in which you live. The main difference, however, is the driver of a taxi is a full-time licensed professional whereas Uber and Lyft drivers are everyday people who provide transportation to the public in their spare time, in their own personal vehicles. These drivers are on call, and should you need a lift, you press a button on your smartphone and they arrive to your location quickly.
It’s a service that’s great for seniors who need a ride to a doctor’s appointment, to the airport, to a visit a friend across town, to a community event, and so on. After your one-way ride, you can call up another driver to take you back home or where ever else you’d like to go. And you never have to exchange paper money. The cost of the ride is automatically charged to the credit card you have on file in your account.
How it works
Uber and Lyft work in similar ways, but both require the use of a smartphone.
Here’s how to get a ride:
-
You’ll need to download the Uber or Lyft app to your smartphone,
which naturally means you’ll need to own a smartphone.
Either an iPhone or Android phone will work. -
Enter some personal information, such as your name, address,
and credit card number into the app.
(Each ride is automatically charged to your card). -
When you’re ready to go for a ride, you tap an icon on the phone,
enter the address of where you are, and get matched to a friendly,
background-checked driver in the area. -
You’ll then see a photo on your phone of the person coming to pick
you up and their vehicle, as well as their estimated time of arrival. T
he driver’s phone number is also provided in case you need to contact them. -
During your transportation, you’re sure to find the vehicle clean,
the driver friendly, and that it’s fun to meet new drivers when you use the service. -
When your ride is complete, you just pay from your phone with the tap of a
button and you’re done. No exchange of cash. The driver is paid though the service.
For a list of frequently asked questions, visit the Uber website here.
Also, if you’re a senior who loves to drive and meet people, and have a reliable, clean vehicle, you too can become an Uber or Lyft driver and make money in your spare time. Go to each of the above mentioned websites to learn how.
BLOG Date: Thursday, August 27, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen