Lyft’s New ‘silver’ Accounts Should Make It Easier for Older Passengers to Call Rideshares
Ride-sharing services are convenient, but access may be a challenge for less tech-savvy potential passengers, especially older adults. But companies are introducing changes that make their services easier for these groups to access. Lyft Silver is a new account type that, like Women+ Connect (focused on women and non-binary riders), makes it easier and safer to call a ride and get support when you need it.
Lyft Silver has several features that make ridesharing more accessible to seniors. With a Lyft Silver account, users will see an updated version of the app with larger fonts and easier navigation. The app will prioritize matching Lyft Silver users with vehicles that are easy to get in and out of, and allow them to share ride details in real time with trusted contacts.
Lyft will also offer phone support from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm ET to assist Lyft Silver users in the US.
How to Access Lyft Silver
Lyft Silver will be available nationwide on May 5 for the first 25,000 riders to sign up for the service, and waitlist registration is open now .
To turn on Lyft Silver in the Lyft app, tap You in the bottom right corner of the menu bar and select Lyft Silver . You can also gift Lyft Silver to a friend or family member and pay for their rides using Lyft Cash. Send an invite from the Lyft Silver page in the app, and the recipient will receive a text link to enable the service (and be prompted to download the app if they don’t already have it). You can add a gift card to the invitation, which will automatically deposit Lyft Cash into the recipient’s account.
Uber also has options for older passengers.
Lyft’s competitor Uber also has features aimed at older riders . The senior account has an “easy mode” for the Uber app with larger text and icons, fewer ride options, prominent saved locations, and a simplified booking process. Simple Mode is automatically enabled for senior accounts, but can be turned off in Account > Settings > Accessibility > Simple Mode .
Uber accounts for seniors can be created by a family organizer, and health benefits cards can be added for eligible trips, such as transportation to and from doctor’s appointments.