If you no longer drive and want to go out for grocery shopping, hospital appointments, or other necessities, a rideshare service (Lyft or Uber) is your best choice.
You do not want to rely on family members and friends every time you go out. A rideshare service is more convenient than public transport or chasing a taxi down the road.
This article covers
Getting Started with Lyft
Lyft app is the most common way to request a Lyft ride. The app is available on both the Play Store (for Android users) and the App Store (for iPhone users) for free. Type ‘Lyft’ in the search bar to get the app.
After the app is installed on your phone, you need to create a Lyft account to request Lyft rides.
Here is a step-by-step process to create a Lyft account.
- When you open the app for the first time, tap on Get Started option to begin. The app will ask you to allow it to use your location. Tap on Allow.
- Enter your phone number on the next screen and you will receive a 6-digit verification code. Enter the code on the next screen.
- Enter your first and last name on the next screen and tap on the arrow. Next, enter your email address.
- The next screen has the Lyft terms of service. Read the terms and scroll down on the screen and tap I Agree
- On the next screen, you can either Allow the push notifications to get updates on the driver’s location and notifications about special offers and discounts or Skip
- Next, you are required to choose a payment method. I will choose to add a credit/ debit card and add the card details on next screen. Tap on Save after providing the card details.
- Next, you can add your photo by tapping Take photo or tap on Later to continue.
That’s it. Your Lyft account is now active and you can request rides through Lyft app. You will be charged for each ride after the ride is completed and you will receive the receipt in your email.
How to Request a Ride on Lyft
To request a ride on Lyft, follow the instructions below.
- Open the Lyft app on your phone and make sure your Lyft account is logged in
- If you have the Location turned on, it will automatically show your current location. If the Location is not turned on, tap on Turn on Precise Location to let Lyft use your location. You can also manually enter your location by tapping on Enter your location
- Next, tap on Where are you going? option and provide your destination.
- On the next screen, you have different options to choose from. If you have flexible pick up time and can wait a few minutes, you can save some cash. Select an option from the list and tap on Select Lyft.
You have successfully booked a ride on Lyft. The Lyft ride will arrive at your location in minutes.
You can also schedule a Lyft ride in advance (up to 30 days ahead of time). After setting up your destination, tap the Calendar icon to schedule a pickup date and time.
You will receive a reminder before the pickup time. If you do not have the Calendar icon (schedule option) in the app, the schedule ride option may not be available in your area.
It is also possible to cancel or edit a scheduled ride. You can cancel or edit a ride up to 1 hour before pickup time. A cancellation fee will apply if you cancel within 1 hour of the pickup time.
To cancel or edit a scheduled ride, tap on the Trip navigation bar on the home screen and tap Details under a ride to cancel or edit.
5 Benefits of Using Lyft for Seniors
There are many advantages of Lyft rides for seniors over traditional taxi or public transport, including:
1. Door-to-Door Service
Seniors always have challenges getting from bus stops or train stations to their homes. It is also a challenge to chase a taxi down the road, especially if you are living in communities with no public transport links.
Lyft (and other ridesharing services like Uber) provide service on demand. Simply request a Lyft ride from the app and your ride will show up on your door in minutes. Get into the car and get out of the car at the destination.
2. Safety and Security
Using a ridesharing service is safer than using traditional taxis and public transport. Lyft has policies and features to protect passengers. All drivers undergo a criminal background check, driving record check, vehicle safety inspection, and in-person screening.
On requesting a ride, you get a message with the name and photo of your driver and information about the car including the plate number, the color of the car etc.
This information is vital for safety and knowing you are with someone you know about.
3. Well-maintained Cars and Respectful Drivers
Passengers can rate the ride experience after each ride. Drivers tend to keep their cars clean and show respect and good ethics to passengers to get better ratings.
Consistent low ratings can get drivers out of their jobs.
Lyft rides for seniors are more comfortable, pleasant, and cleaner than traditional taxis.
4. Easy To Use
You have to download the Lyft app on your smartphone to use Lyft. Book a ride from the app with pickup and destination points. Once you agree with the fare and confirm the ride, the car will show up at your door in minutes.
Get into the car and out of the car at the destination without paying cash. Your family members or friends can also book a ride for you from their smartphone app.
Related Article: Lyft for seniors without smartphones
5. Lyft Partnerships With Seniors Communities
Lyft has partnered with different senior communities, nonprofit groups and home care providers such as Brookdale Senior Living, Whistletop, Avenidas and many others to help seniors use Lyft.
There are many other benefits of using Lyft for seniors. If you are traveling to busy areas where parking is an issue, it is always a good idea to use a Lyft ride instead of your own car.
You can save parking payments and the time and hassle of finding a parking space for your car. Airports and hotels etc have dedicated areas for ridesharing services, you can call Lyft in a hotel or on airport.
Lyft is one of the must-have apps on your smartphone.
Related Article: Request an Uber ride without a smartphone
Sohail Ahmed
I love helping seniors with technology. This blog features apps, games, gadgets, technology tips, and tutorials for older adults … Know More