For those without a smartphone, it can seem challenging to request an on-demand ride to an appointment, the grocery store, or other destination. However, as long as you have a phone (does not have to be a smartphone), it is relatively simple to request a ride. Here is how to request a ride from the two largest ride-share companies, Uber and Lyft, without a smartphone:
(Please note that all of these options require debit or credit card payment and these first two options require a device connected to the internet, but GoGoGrandparent does not)
To request a ride from Lyft, begin by entering your phone number at their website. This indicates that you're requesting a ride, and Lyft will send a text to your phone with a code. After entering this code into the website, you can input your pickup location and destination. The final step is entering your payment information online and finalizing your request by clicking “Request Lyft”. After doing this, keep your cell phone close, as Lyft will text you with updates. You can also use the browser you used to request the ride to track your driver's location. When your driver arrives, you will receive a call or text from your driver. Cost varies based on demand and specific trip.
To request a ride from Uber, begin by entering your phone number at their website.
After entering your phone number and confirming your Uber account, Uber will immediately prompt you to enter your pickup location and destination. Finalize your request by clicking “Request”, and you will be able to monitor the location of your driver through your browser. Cost varies based on demand and specific trip.
What if I don't want to use the internet?
Another service available across the United States is GoGoGrandparent, which connects you with a ride from Uber or Lyft via phone call. Additionally, GoGoGrandparent can assist with meal delivery, grocery delivery, and medication management. This service costs $9.99 a month plus $0.27 for every minute driven. Here's how it works, according to their website:
CALL 1 (855) 464-6872, and wait to hear: "Thanks for calling GoGo"
PRESS 1 to immediately request an Uber or Lyft to your home.
PRESS 2 to request an Uber or Lyft to where we dropped you off last.
PRESS 3, 4 or 5 to request an Uber or Lyft to a custom pick up location (once you're registered please give us a call to set these up).
PRESS 6 to request an Uber or Lyft with an operator.
PRESS 7 to request meals delivered from local restaurants near you, fulfilled by deliver services like DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates and Uber Eats.
PRESS 8 to request groceries delivered from local supermarkets, fulfilled by services like Instacart, Walmart, Postmates, Shipt and more.
PRESS 0 to speak with an operator about medication management, scheduling requests in advance or anything else.
GoGoGrandparent will screen drivers and their cars to ensure they match your preferences. They also offer 24/7 support and can send text updates to an emergency contact (a caregiver) to keep them informed.
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Source: The Best Way To Call Lyft & Uber Without A Smartphone. (n.d.). Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://gogograndparent.com/
