As we age, maintaining independence can become more difficult, especially for older adults without access to a car or those managing health conditions. While rideshare apps can be a helpful solution, they’re not always senior-friendly. That’s why rideshare company Lyft has launched Lyft Silver, a new version of its app designed with older riders in mind. Adrey Liu, Executive Vice President of Rider Experience, explained that they began by listening to the experiences and needs of older adults. They spoke with riders, caregivers and organizations that serve this community to understand the specific challenges they face with transportation — things like navigating complex apps, feeling unsure about who their driver will be, or needing a little extra time and assistance. Lyft Silver offers a simpler app interface with a larger font than the standard app. It offers users the ability to contact a live support team over the phone from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, and provides details about the ride — like route and drop-off location — with shared trusted contacts, such as family and caregivers. Finally, Lyft Silver provides cars that are easy to get in and out of, ensuring comfort. The company is also collaborating with organizations in some communities to offer discounted rides to older customers. The Lyft Silver experience is currently available for no extra charge on top of what you’d be paying for rides via the regular app. Lyft fares are based on ride route, ride type, availability and demand. To activate Lyft Silver, users should first download the regular Lyft app if they don’t already have it on their device. Next, choose “You” in the bottom right corner of the app to open the main menu. Select “Lyft Silver” to enable the feature, which will switch the app to the new interface. (Note: You can turn it off at any time).
