What Are Ridesharing Apps?

Ridesharing apps are mobile device applications that let you request rides in personal vehicles. Uber and Lyft are the most well-known ridesharing apps.

Rideshares are similar to taxis in some ways. You can request immediate pickup or book a ride ahead of time. Plus, you have the ability to designate your exact pickup and drop-off locations. In most cases, you’ll ride in the vehicle only with the people traveling with you, rather than with a group as you do in a bus or subway.

The main difference of rideshares is who drives them. Rideshare drivers hold standard driver’s licenses, not specially designated taxi cab licenses. They use their own vehicles to provide transportation services.

Why Use Ridesharing Apps?

For seniors, there are several benefits to using ridesharing apps, including:

• Door-to-door transportation. Seniors with mobility issues can minimize the need to walk.
• Accessibility. Seniors who use mobility aids may find it easier to get in and out of a traditional passenger vehicle than buses and subways.
• Ready when you travel. Lyft offers services in many U.S. cities, while Uber operates in the United States and dozens of other countries. As a result, you can use the same apps to get around when you travel for added convenience.
• Freedom to set times. With ridesharing, you don’t have to worry about sticking to a public transportation schedule. You can comfortably travel when you need to.
• Cost savings. Although you do pay a fee for ridesharing, the cost is often less than what you’d expect to pay for parking, gas and ongoing vehicle maintenance.
• Environmentally friendly. Taking a rideshare instead of driving yourself means one less car on the road.

How to Use Ridesharing Apps

Although exact procedures vary, the general steps to using a ridesharing app are:

1. Download the app. Visit the app store for your mobile device to download the ridesharing app of your choice.
2. Create an account. Follow the onscreen steps to set up an account. You’ll typically need to provide an email address and cell phone number.
3. Add a payment method. Ridesharing apps offer a variety of payment options, such as major credit cards, Apple Pay and PayPal.
4. Enter your destination. Type your destination address into the app. Apps often allow you to enter the name of a business or other point of interest and search for the address automatically.
5. Choose your ride type. Select whether you need an immediate ride or want to schedule one for a future time or date.
6. Provide your pickup site. Enter your pickup location. If you need an immediate ride, the app can use GPS to locate you if you’re already there.

Important Ridesharing Safety Tips

To have a safe, positive experience when using Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing apps, follow these tips.

Wait Smart

Use the app to request your ride while you’re indoors. Stay inside until the ride arrives when possible. If you do have to wait at the curb, stay focused on your surroundings, glancing at your phone only occasionally to check your ride status.

Review Driver Information

Before the driver arrives, check their rating and look over any reviews provided. Also, study their photograph and confirm the identity of the person who comes to pick you up.

Confirm the Vehicle

The ridesharing app will provide the make, model, color and license plate number for the vehicle. Prior to getting in, walk around the back and confirm that all information matches.

Share Your Trip

Uber and Lyft both provide the ability to digitally share your trip with someone else. With every ride, send the information to a trusted friend or family member. This way, someone will know who drove you and can confirm that you arrived safely.

Ride Safely

Sit in the back of the vehicle whenever possible. Fasten your seatbelt before the vehicle moves. Feel free to make conversation with the driver, but be careful about what personal information you share. For example, don’t disclose that you live alone.

Tip Through the App

Tipping your rideshare driver is a great way to thank them for their service, but don’t pull out your wallet to tip them in cash. Instead, use the tip function in the app.

Getting Where You Need to Go

Ridesharing is just one alternative to driving your own car or using standard public transportation. Residents of Bethesda Gardens Monument senior living community enjoy free scheduled transportation as part of our standard services and amenities. Plus, all people aged 60 and over in Monument can take advantage of the Silver Key Reserve and Ride service for transportation to and from medical appointments. When you have somewhere to go, consider all the available ways to get there and choose your best option.