We now have ride-sharing in BC, some say a little late and
others say it should not be here. However, rideshare companies are part of our
culture or soon will be.
Many seniors have trouble with public transport, it is
either inconvenient or it is too scary, or it is not available in their area.
To use ride-sharing you need to be able to use a cell phone or a computer,
according to my son and his friends. They have used Uber and Lyft in Seattle
and in BC once it was allowed.
The problem is that many seniors do not use cell phones as
computers nor do they use computers as apps. Well, a company that works with
Uber and Lyft only as far as I can see but they may work with other ride-share companies, claims to solve the problem for
those seniors who do not have access or inclination to use a cell phone or a
ride app.
The company is called GoGoGrandparent.
The link will take you to the website. It has a nice feature where you can type
in your address and it will tell you if service is available at your location.
I think it is a bit pricey, and the fare rates are confusing. Here is the fare rate from their website.
Ride Fare: CA$4.50 base fare + CA$0.70 per mile + CA$0.42 per minute
(with a minimum fare of CA$10.50)
and
GoGoGrandparent Concierge Fee: CA$0.27 per minute
but if you are not paying for car insurance or other costs, it may be within your price range. It is not in mine.
What is confusing is the cost per minute fee, does this mean for every minute you are in the car you are charged a total of .47+.27 =.74C? or does it mean that you are charged by Uber and Lyft at a rate of .42C a minute for the ride, and charged .27C a minute for the phone call by GoGo Grandparent? Let's see how expensive it could be if you are charged by the minute for the ride by Lyft, Uber and GoGo Grandparent:
If you travelled 20K and it took 20 minutes the fare could be:
$4.50+ (.7*20=)$14.00 +(.74*2=)+14.80 =$33.30 for the ride.
I don't know about you but I don't think a taxi would be as expensive, but in my area, they are hard to get, so mostly they are not an option.
For those of you who want to try it this is how it works (taken from the website)
Step 1: Register for GoGo by clicking here or by calling 1
(855) 464-6872.
Step 2: CALL 1 (855) 464-6872 and wait to hear: "Thanks
for calling GoGo"
Step 3: PRESS 1 to immediately request a Lyft or Uber to
your home.
PRESS 2 to request a Lyft or Uber to where we dropped you
off last.
PRESS 3, 4 or 5 to request a Lyft or Uber to a custom pick
up location (once you're registered please give us a call to set these up).
PRESS 6 to request a Lyft or Uber with an operator.
PRESS 0 to speak with an operator about scheduling requests
in advance or anything else.
