Ride Shares for Seniors

Practical tips and what YOU need to know for using or considering ride share options for seniors

Ride-sharing platforms, such as Uber and Lyft, let passengers request rides through a smartphone (mobile app) from their current location to a specified destination. Riders can compare trip options, view the fare upfront, choose to accept or decline, and track when the driver arrives. These services are especially useful for people who do not have a vehicle, prefer not to drive or walk, or want to avoid parking costs, parking stress, or the need to use another transportation option such as a taxi. Ride shares can help seniors travel where they want, on their own schedule, while supporting their independence.

How Ride Shares Work for Passengers

Riders typically follow these steps to set up the app, request a ride, confirm the driver, and complete the trip safely.

1. Set up the ride-share app. Download a ride-share app, such as Uber or Lyft, from the iPhone App Store (for iPhones) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Search for the app by name, tap “Install” or “Get,” and follow the prompts to create your profile. To create an Uber account, for instance, you may need to enter a phone number or email address, create a password, verify it with a security code, and add a payment method such as a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. If you feel uncomfortable setting up your own account, ask a trusted and knowledgeable family member or friend for assistance. Once your account is set up, you are ready to use the app.
2. Order a ride. Open the app, enter your pickup location and destination, and choose a vehicle type, such as standard, premium, or shared. Most ride share companies offer a wide variety of vehicles for your ride, from everyday sedans and SUVs to high-end luxury vehicles. Uber Premier offers higher fares and fancier vehicles and may also provide access for lengthier trip options. Before booking, the app will show the estimated fare and arrival time. Once a nearby driver accepts the request, you can track the driver’s location on the map in real time to know exactly where they are.
3. Verify your driver and vehicle. Before getting in, check the driver’s name and photo in the app, then confirm that the vehicle make, model, and license plate match exactly. Many cars look alike, and a ride share decal alone does not mean it is your ride. Simple rule: If the license plate does not match, do not get into the vehicle.
4. Ride, share your trip, and pay. During the ride, wear your seatbelt and consider sharing your trip status with someone you trust. In Uber, for example, tap the blue safety shield icon on the map screen and select “Share My Trip.” You can send a tracking link so the recipient can view your route, estimated arrival time, and driver details in a browser. This safety feature is especially helpful for solo travelers and older adults. Payment is handled through the app after the trip – so no need to take out your wallet or pay cash. You will be automatically billed. All you need to do is confirm the tip amount at the completion of your ride.

Good-to-Know Information

Ride sharing companies rely heavily on demand-based and dynamic pricing with complicated algorithms. Therefore, ride prices can vary widely from one quote to another. NBC’s Today Show featured a story on this very subject – including price swings, price surges, and possible surveillance pricing – underscoring the very complex nature of ride share prices charged and cost differentials between individual ride offers.

You Can Rate Drivers – And They Can Rate You

Ride share ratings are typically based on stars. This dual-rating system assigns each a score on a point scale, with five being the best. Uber drivers who drop below a minimum threshold are typically removed from the app.

Senior-Friendly Ride-Share Features

Ride-share companies are continually adding features and programs to make their apps easier for older adults and caregivers to use. Availability can vary by location, provider, and eligibility, so it is always a good idea to check the latest details in the app or on the company’s official website. Here are some examples:

• Simpler app screens: Some senior-focused experiences use larger text, clearer icons, and a streamlined layout.
• Family profile support: A trusted family member may be able to help book, manage, pay for, or track rides for senior or youth (teen) travelers.
• Saved favorite places: Common destinations, such as a doctor’s office, pharmacy, grocery store, or relative’s home, can be easier to select.
• Flexible payment options: Some programs may allow eligible health benefit cards for qualifying medical trips.

Uber Senior Accounts

As described above, Uber offers senior accounts designed to provide simpler ride experiences for older adults. These accounts may include larger text and icons, a more focused home screen, trip tracking for family organizers, favorite places, on-trip safety tools, and flexible payment options for eligible trips. Additionally, Uber, Lyft, and other ride share companies may also proudly partner with organizations – with examples such as GoGoGrandparent and GIA Longevity, which focus on helping older adults maintain independence and access transportation more easily.

Lyft Programs and Transportation Access

Lyft offers transportation access programs through Lyft Up, which may include support for rides to jobs, grocery stores, voting locations, disaster-response services, and other essential needs. Lyft Pink is a subscription option that may provide ride-related perks or discounts, depending on the plan and location.

Because programs and eligibility requirements can change, confirm current offerings directly with Uber, Lyft, local agencies, or benefit providers before relying on a specific discount or service.

Tipping

Most ride share drivers are independent contractors who make money based on multiple factors such as time driving, distance, and incentives or bonuses offered by the ride share company. Each trip has a base fare or a per-minute/per-mile rate to determine what the driver earns. Also, riders commonly tip drivers for good service. The tip amount may depend on the length of the trip, the rider’s comfort level, and the driver’s performance. A typical tip ranges from 10% to 20%, though some riders choose a flat amount, such as $3 or $5, for shorter trips.

Saving Money on Ride Shares

Ride-share companies do not usually offer a standard age-based discount for seniors. However, some discounted rides may be available through partnerships with healthcare providers, local governments, community organizations, or transportation programs.

To reduce costs, check whether any local programs or benefit plans can help cover transportation for medical appointments, errands, or essential services.

Considering Lower-Cost Transportation Options

Out-of-pocket ride-share costs can add up over a length of time. Before relying on ride shares solely for frequent trips, investigate free or low-cost transportation options in your area, such as:

• Public/Mass Transportation
• Paratransit services
• Nonprofit or charity transportation programs
• Local government transportation services
• Church or community volunteer ride programs
• Ride-share partnerships offered through healthcare or senior-service organizations

Medicare and Ride-Share Coverage

Original Medicare generally does not cover rides for routine medical appointments. Some Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C plans, may offer transportation benefits or a flex card that can be used for eligible health-related trips.

These benefits may help pay for trips to places such as a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or fitness center. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, review your plan details or contact the plan provider to confirm what transportation benefits are available and how to use them. AMAC Medicare agents are proudly available to address your questions.

Getting Comfortable with Ride-Share Apps

Ride shares can help seniors stay independent without the stress of driving or parking. Using a new app may feel intimidating at first, but most ride-share apps are designed to be straightforward and easy to navigate.

As previously stated; to make booking easier, the app can save frequently used destinations, such as a doctor’s office, pharmacy, grocery store, or family member’s home. If using the app still feels uncomfortable, a trusted loved one can help by adding favorite places, tracking trips, or arranging rides through a family profile when that option is available.

Basic Ride-Share Safety Tips

Your safety comes first. Use the tips below to help confirm your ride, stay aware during the trip, and exit the vehicle safely.

Do

• Wait in a well-lit, busy area.
• Verify the car and driver before opening the door.
• Ask, “Who are you picking up?” to confirm it is your ride.
• Ride in the back seat when possible.
• Buckle your seatbelt.
• Share your trip status with someone you trust.
• Watch the route to make sure you are heading toward the correct destination.
• Speak up if the driver appears to be going off route or in the wrong direction.
• Ask the driver to stop in a safe place so you do not exit into traffic.

Don’t

• Do not get into the vehicle if something feels wrong.
• Do not get into a different car, even if the driver asks you to. Cancel the ride and request another one.
• Do not get into a car that stops in an unsafe location. Ask the driver to move to a safer pickup/drop off spot.
• Do not share too much personal information with the driver.
• Do not accept food or drinks from the driver – even water.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the vehicle.
• Do not leave belongings behind. Check the vehicle before exiting.
• Do not slam the door when you exit.

Travel Assistance and Accessibility

If you truly need travel assistance, it is best to travel with a companion when possible. If you must travel alone, choose the vehicle type that feels safest and easiest for you to enter and exit. After ordering the ride, message the driver to let them know if you have limited walking ability.

Traveling with a Walker

A standard ride is usually suitable if your walker is lightweight and folds easily. After ordering your ride, message the driver through the app to let them know you have a folding walker. If your walker is rigid, does not collapse, or you are carrying heavy packages or luggage, consider choosing Uber XL or Lyft XL for additional storage space. These vehicles are made for a larger number of passengers – and are more expensive than standard vehicles.

Traveling with a Wheelchair

If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, select an option such as Uber WAV or Lyft Assisted Ride, when available. These services are designed to provide vehicles with ramps or other accessibility features. But, if your wheelchair folds up, and you don’t need a ramp or assistance, you can typically take any standard vehicle.

Traveling with Pets

Do not surprise the driver by bringing a pet without notice. If the app offers a pet-friendly ride option, choose it. If not, order the ride and immediately message the driver to ask whether your pet may come along. The driver may decline. Keep pets leashed or crated, be respectful, and use a clean blanket to protect the vehicle’s seats.

Sharing a Ride with Strangers

Shared ride options, such as UberX Share, allow riders traveling in similar directions to share a vehicle and split costs. These rides can be affordable, but they may involve extra stops, longer travel times, and the discomfort of sharing space with people you do not know. Additionally, some services are being phased out. For instance, Lyft Shared is known to cause route delays and logistical hassles for drivers, so the company is phasing out that service to concentrate on direct and private rides.

Safety Features and Peace of Mind

Ride-share companies screen drivers and offer in-app safety features to support riders during a trip. If you ever feel unsafe, use the app’s safety tools to contact emergency services or reach the company’s safety support team.

During or after any concerning or dangerous situation, call 9-1-1 on your cellphone or report the incident promptly through the app. Sharing your trip status with someone you trust can also provide extra reassurance, especially when traveling alone.

Watch out for Ride Share Scams/Crimes

A driver (scammer/criminal) may try to convince someone to get into a vehicle by claiming that a family member ordered the ride. Do not rely on what a stranger says at the curb. A legitimate ride-share pickup should match the details shown in your app. Always check!

• Confirm the ride in the app before approaching the vehicle.
• Match the driver’s name, photo, vehicle make and model, and license plate to the information displayed in the app.
• Ask, “Who are you picking up?” The driver should say your name, rather than you saying it first.
• Do not get in if anything does not match or feels unsafe. Cancel the ride and request another one. For instance, I once declined and reported a driver who reeked heavily of cannabis, and I also reported a vehicle with a serious safety-related steering issue. For the latter, I was refunded my money for the ride and was told that the vehicle would be removed from service.

Summary: Ride Shares for Seniors

Ride shares provide a convenient and flexible way to travel, especially for older people who do not drive or wish to avoid parking challenges. To use them safely, riders should set up the app correctly, confirm the driver and vehicle before entering, share trip details when appropriate, and follow basic safety and courtesy practices. Senior riders with mobility needs, pets, or concerns about shared rides should choose the option that best supports a safe and comfortable trip.

Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a substitute for professional travel advice. Note that services offered by ride shares are subject to change, so it’s best to consult their websites for up-to-date information.