My first experience with Lyft

[lillypaddle]

(I'm posting this here because I don't know where else to post it)

Had a doctor's appointment, mainly for lab work so I could get my prescriptions refilled. I no longer have a car, so yesterday I booked a ride with Lyft, and they confirmed for this morning at 7:30 am. I had been fasting for the lab tests, no easy trick for me!

I'm standing on my porch at 7:30 with my oxygen, purse, and fully masked up. I look at my phone and there is a message from Lyft that my ride has be cancelled due to an error. WTF? Anyway, I'm hungry as hell, but decide that I've gone this far, so I try to book a ride with Uber. They decide they need a second credit card for security purposes. I provide all the info, and they respond that it doesn't match my first card (address, I guess). I gave up, went inside and cancelled my appointment.

It was impossible for me to find a direct phone number for either Lyft or Uber.

To say that I am mad and frustrated is an understatement. To any of you who use car services, have you had good experiences? Is it just me?

[niyad]

1. Never had to deal with either one. But check with your insurance to see if

it offers medical transport.

[lillypaddle]

2. I'll check it out

I'm on Medicare, and I don't think it covers that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[niyad]

3. Do you have regular cab service in your area? Used to be yellow cab here,

now called z-trip. cheaper, somewhat more reliable.

[lillypaddle]

10. Sure do

No phone numbers listed. What is up with none of these businesses wanting to talk to customers?

[unc70]

5. Most counties have transportation services

Particularly for elderly and those covered by the ADA. These are generally in addition to fixed-route transit systems. How these services operate vary by locale, but most areas have something. Often part of Social Services.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

4. Nothing but GOOD experiences with Lyft.

Now that I have moved, I will need to edit my home address to reflect where i live now.

ALL the drivers I have had went out of their way to assist me where I needed to go and were tipped well.

Sorry your experiences were not good.

[Paper Roses]

6. Have you contacted your Council on Ageing?

I'm afraid I might face the same thing soon. Will be 80 in 2 weeks. I have health issues but thankfully they don't make it impossible to drive. Our COA offers rides to out local hospital or MD. There is no cost to join COA here, the services are varied but great.

I am facing some major health issues and am scheduled for another Ct Scan. Guess what...copay-$250.00. Since I live on Social Security and am trying to stay in my house, this is a big burden.

If I lived near you, I would have been happy to take you to your appointment and yes, I an a stickler about being "on time". If you are in the North Shore of MA, send me an email and I will help.

[lillypaddle]

7. Wow, how sweet and generous of you

I live in Kentucky, although I'd rather live in MA.

When you're old and not well physically, everything seems like such a struggle. Such is life, huh?

Thank you, Paper Roses, I'll check into COA.

[IbogaProject]

8. The time to book Lyft or Uber is under 1 hour b4

The time to book Lyft or Uber is under 1 hour before unless for a long run like to the airport. It would help to book a short ride with them to get all set with payment and identity issues. Lust has nicer drivers mostly. Medicaid pays for transportation, but eligibility varies widely state to state. There is a version that covers keeping you in your home with higher income limits than the basic low-income insurance.

[MLAA]

9. I think the business model of both Lyft and Uber is online communication not phones like a

traditional taxi service. My sister did once find a phone number and called for a ride, but it is really not how they are set up to operate. I have used both services through my phone for some years now and never had a problem. If you have a smart phone and are interested you could have a friend help you get it set up. Then you can request a ride (or schedule one in advance) and then see where they are as they drive towards your location. And on the rare occasion a driver cancels, a new driver is assigned immediately and then you can see them progress to your location . If you decide not do this I’d look for a traditional cab service in your town that still has dispatchers that schedule your taxi if there are any.

[lillypaddle]

11. Yeah, I know

but I had questions. I live in an apartment, and before I got cancelled, they wanted me to walk a block to meet them, and that isn't feasible for me. And I have a few questions.

[MLAA]

12. Hope you find a good alternative that works for you ❤️

[lillypaddle]

13. Thanks