Has an elderly friend loved one recently complained of being on a tight budget? Does it seem like too much of their money goes towards maintaining and keeping gas in their vehicle? Thankfully, there are many ways that senior citizens who are on a fixed income can save money by using rideshare programs. Some rideshare programs other than the obvious ones (Uber, Lyft) have been specially designed for the needs of senior citizens. We will discuss a few of them here.
How Do Rideshare Programs Save Senior Citizens Money?
Senior citizens who use rideshare programs note that they spend far less money on their vehicles. They don’t have to fill up the car with gas as often, and maintenance costs due to wear and tear on their cars is much less. Rideshare programs also help senior citizens save money in parking fees, as this is one expense not incurred for those who don’t drive their own vehicles. Another added benefit of rideshare programs for senior citizens is that they offer socialization, something that many seniors would lack otherwise.
How Can Seniors Make Money Through Rideshare Programs?
Rideshare programs also can benefit senior citizens in another way. If a senior has a vehicle that they only use occasionally, they might want to consider putting that vehicle into a rideshare program so that it can make them money. Uber and Fair are just two of the rideshare programs in which this is viable. These programs are hiring drivers who do not have their own vehicles and, therefore, need a vehicle to drive. Senior citizens can offer up their vehicles to rideshare programs on certain days and/or times of the week that they know they will not need to use them, and make extra money doing so.
What Are Some Rideshare Programs Specifically for Seniors?
The following are some examples of rideshare programs targeted to senior citizen riders:
Envoy America
Envoy America offers a safe, reliable alternative for senior citizens who don’t want to, or can’t, use their own private vehicles for transportation. The service is not yet available nationwide, but is found in major cities within Arizona, Texas, Washington, Illinois, Georgia, New Mexico and Pennsylvania. Pricing plans are available that include assistance with walkers or wheelchairs for those who need it, cars that will wait at a destination for the rider to finish, multiple stops, drivers who are background screened, and drivers who are specially trained in dealing with folks with dementia. Contact Envoy America at (888) 375-5558 or info@envoyamerica.com for more information.
Go Go Grandparent
Go Go Grandparent allows users to book rides via telephone rather than an app, which is something many seniors find they are more comfortable with. Their drivers are called “professional grandchildren” and will also alert a rider’s caregiver when a senior books and takes a ride, if desired. This service is available throughout all 50 states and Canada, and utilizes Lyft and Uber for the actual rides. Click here to sign up or call (855) 464-6872 for more information.
National Volunteer Transportation Center
Available throughout the United States, the National Volunteer Transportation Center (NVTC) offers volunteer drivers who take senior citizen passengers to various destinations, staying with them at the destination if desired. The NVTC also acts as a resource clearinghouse that links seniors to volunteer rideshare programs across the country. For more information, contact NVTC at (866) 846-6400 or info@nc4mm.org.
Via
Via operates as a carpooling service in Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York City. It is open to riders of all ages, and is particularly popular among senior citizens. Instead of offering private rides to one rider, Via offers shared rides for those who don’t mind carpooling together to get to their destinations. In addition to providing a ridesharing solution, it is another way in which senior citizens can connect with others, foster a sense of community, and increase their socialization. Check out Via’s smartphone app and obtain more information at RideWithVia.com.