Uber’s popularity as an on-call driving service has surged in the past few years. People of all ages are using Uber as their go to ride service. Maybe you’re headed out for a night on the town with friends, or you don’t want to have to pay to park your car at the airport. Whatever the reason may be, Uber is known for being convenient and fast. So when it comes time to call a ride for your senior parent or loved one, you may be wondering if this is the best, or only option.
While Uber (or Lyft) is popular and convenient for you, it might not be the best choice when it comes to finding senior transportation. Yes, Uber can safely get them from point A to point B, but a senior citizen may need extra assistance, care and other senior specific services; such as advance reservations, wait and return, multiple stops and a driver that is 55+ who understands their needs. This is why Envoy’s unique value offering as a senior transportation service pushes expectations in the transportation service industry, and why it is a service unlike any other.
What is the Difference Between Uber and a Senior Specific Driving Service?
Uber drivers do their one job well and that is, on-call short distance travel. They pick up passengers and take them to their destination, but without any extra help. For an elderly person, with possible health issues or special needs, is that enough? Taxis, Lyft and Uber services only provide curbside service which means that seniors have to wait outside, sometimes in the cruel Arizona heat, to be picked up.
Envoy companion drivers greet seniors at the door and assist them into their vehicle. Our drivers aid passengers in fastening their seatbelts and make sure they are comfortable during the entirety of their trip. Envoy America drivers are dedicated to providing a senior transportation service that is compassionate and caring 24/7, just like an adult child would do for their own senior parent.
Technology Gap for Seniors to Book on an App
One of the biggest benefits of using Uber or Lyft is the convenience of booking instantly via your smartphone App. However, this technology is reaching and unintuitive for seniors who are unfamiliar with this process. Each senior ride reservation made with Envoy is over the phone, where you can reserve in advance and even request your favorite driver. This provides a level of trust and security for each of Envoy’s senior riders.
Can You Trust an Uber Driver for Senior Citizen Travel?
Uber drivers can arrive in a variety of cars, SUVs, and coupes. Finding out that the car itself is not comfortable or conducive for getting in and out is not something you want to be surprised about the day of. Uber or Lyft drivers may be young, not speak your native language, be difficult to understand or give directions to and ultimately not set you at ease and comfort during your ride. With Envoy, you know the level of care, support and stability you are getting before your ride ever shows up. All Envoy drivers are 55+ themselves, are in comfortable senior friendly vehicles and understand the level of care that a senior specific ride may require.
When you use Envoy, you can make reservations with drivers as far as six months in advance. Seniors, and their adult children, like to know that they will be taken care of and they want to be able to trust the service that they’re using. With Envoy, you can also request a specific driver, which creates trust and companionship between your senior parent and their driver. In this way, Envoy companion drivers become just like family.
Senior Independence – Book Several Destinations or a Whole Day!
Your senior parent may have appointments and doctor visits all in the same day. Uber will only take them to one destination at a time, and then they’ll have to find another Uber driver to take them somewhere new if need be. Will you be available to book your senior parent’s ride each time? Will they know how to use the App themselves? Don’t stress! Envoy is different. Envoy’s senior transportation service will take your parent to multiple destinations and stay with them the entire time.
Seniors can book for themselves by calling our reservation line and speaking to one of our kind delegates. Alternatively an adult child, or loved one can book a multiple destination ride entirely in advance on behalf of the senior rider, knowing they will be in good hands for the entirety of their journey.
What other questions or concerns do you have when deciding which service to use for senior transportation? Let us know on our Facebook page! Leave Your Comment Here