Are you a frequent traveler with a disability? Unfortunately, getting around this world with a disability hasn’t always been easy but recently, the rideshare industry has made a few improvements in providing more services to ensure that all passengers feel welcome using their services. There are services out there for people with all types of disabilities, check out how Uber and Lyft are creating new ways to get around.
Riders who are blind or have low vision
Uber:
At Uber there are a few options for passengers who are blind or have low-quality vision. These passengers should enable voiceover services for their Uber app through iOS and Android TalkBack. Additionally, the Uber app has wireless braille display.
Lyft:
Lyft is currently partnering with the National Federation of the Blind to increase awareness of blind passengers’ rights, advocate for effective public policies and expand transportation options for blind passengers and those with low vision. They are hoping to make their app more accessible and inclusive for passengers who are blind or have low vision.
Riders who are deaf or have low hearing
Uber:
The Uber app does not require audio and can be easily used by passengers who are deaf. The app also has vibrating alerts. Audio is not needed for full functionality of the Uber app.
Lyft:
With Lyft, there are minimal barriers to communication between deaf passengers and drivers. Like the Uber app, the Lyft app is very adaptive to people who are deaf, with capabilities that allow users to communicate using the application.
Riders with wheelchairs:
Uber:
UberWav stands for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. UberWav cars are vans/SUVs that have ramps for motorized or non-folding wheelchairs and/or scooters. The cost of an Uber Wav is the same as the UberX cost for that city plus a $2 fee (fee might differ slightly across markets). UberWav is only available in select markets, you can use the RideGuru fare calculator to see if it is available for your trip or check on Uber.com
Additionally, Uber also has UberAssist which is a service designed to provide additional support to seniors and those with disabilities. UberAssist vehicles cannot accommodate motorized or non-folding wheelchairs, but they can accommodate folding wheelchairs, folding scooters, and walkers. UberAssist is the same cost as UberX and is also only currently in select markets.
Lyft:
At Lyft, there are also accommodations for individuals with wheelchairs and/or other physical disabilities. In the Lyft app, passengers can enable a service called “Access Mode”. When the Lyft app is in access mode, specific accessible vehicles will be sent to the passenger instead of a standard Lyft vehicle. This service is not available in all Lyft markets, however, in the areas it is not available, Lyft provides information about local services that may be of assistance. Click here to find the complete list of services Lyft recommends for passengers not able to use “Access Mode”.
