Ride Sharing
So, what is ride or car sharing?
Ride sharing services connect people who need rides with drivers willing to provide them. Using an app, a person can request a ride from one location to another, see what it will cost, and what drivers are nearby. Drivers using the app can accept rides and receive payment through the app. Uber and Lyft are examples of ride sharing services. Car sharing services connect people looking to borrow a car with others willing to share the use of their car for a period of time. Using a website or an app, a person looking for a car can find one that is available.Note that traditional taxi services are offering the app experience as well. And unlike ride or car sharing, taxis are regulated and have to follow specific guidelines. In Montgomery County, taxi services are overseen by MCDOT and the Taxicab Commission.
Registering to use Ride Sharing
Requesting a Ride
Ending the ride
Sharing fares
Is it safe?
Accessibility
Car Sharing
Registering to use Ride Sharing
To use a ride-sharing service you need a to register for an account. This can be done on the services’ websites, or using the app on your smartphone. Uber allows you to register for an account using your cell phone number even if it is not a smartphone, but Lyft does not. You will enter your email address, create a password, enter your cell phone number and provide a credit card number for billing. All payments are made from you to the ride sharing service, who in turn pays the driver, so no cash is necessary.
Requesting a Ride
Requesting a ride is normally done through the app. The first step is to set your destination by entering an address or tapping to set a location pin on a map. The app will automatically display your pickup point, but you can tap on the address to change it. The app will show you the price and how many passengers can ride in the car. There is also an option to schedule a pickup for a future time.
Once a driver accepts your request, you will see information about your driver, a description of what kind of car they are driving, where they are currently located and an estimate for how long it will be before they arrive. A map shows you their progress as they approach. The app also gives you the option to send a message or call your driver while they are on their way. Make sure to verify that the description of the driver and the vehicle match before you enter the vehicle.
Ending the ride
Once you arrive at your destination, the driver marks the trip as completed. Your card will be charged, and you will receive a payment confirmation via email. Any tolls or fees are automatically added to the ride. You also have the option to tip from within the app.
Sharing fares
Both Uber and Lyft have a feature that allows you to split the fare between riders once the ride has started. The apps have an option to enter the name of the rider or phone number sharing the fare. Once the other rider accepts the cost of sharing within the app, the bill is split automatically.
Is it safe?
Both Uber and Lyft perform background checks and vehicle inspections, although each has different minimum standards for screening drivers and vehicles. They also require drivers to have insurance. Ride sharing services add their insurance coverage to the driver's policy to extend the coverage, although there is no guarantee that the driver’s insurance company or the ride sharing service will pay for damages in the event of an accident. Drivers are rated, and are required to maintain a minimum average rating to prevent deactivation. They also need to comply with policies which prevent fraud, maintain safety standards, and prevent discrimination, but may not have to adhere to the same strict government regulations required of taxi services.
There are dangers to consider. However, you can take steps to protect yourself:
- Share your trip details with a friend or family member. Some apps allow you to share your route and driver information.
- Check that the driver’s photo, name and license plate match what’s listed on the app before you get in the car.
- Never enter a car with a driver who stops and offers you a ride, claiming to be with a ride-sharing service.
- Never share any personal information that the driver doesn’t need to complete the ride. This includes phone numbers, as ride-sharing apps typically anonymize their passengers’ phone numbers to protect their privacy.
- Always wear your seat belt. If the car doesn’t have one or appears to be unsafe, instruct your driver to pull over and cancel the ride.
- Report any unsafe driving on the ride sharing app immediately.
Accessibility
There are occasions when Uber and Lyft will be asked to provide rides for passengers that need accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, drivers are required to follow the law regardless of the situation. Uber and Lyft require that drivers accept passengers with service animals. The services also expect their drivers to attempt to help passengers with scooters and wheelchairs, and only allow them to cancel the ride if the wheelchair can't be stowed in the vehicle. If a driver refuses to give you a ride or asks you for proof of your disability, you can report the driver.
Locally, there are some options in addition to the well-known brands. For information about other transportation options for older residents and adults with disabilities, including public transportation, volunteer-provided transportation and more, call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252. Connect-A-Ride is one of many programs offered by MCDOT. The program is managed by the Jewish Council for the Aging where certified Mobility Specialists provide transportation information and referral services, for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
For a comprehensive guide to transportation options in Montgomery County, go to the Transportation Network Directory for People with Disabilities and Adults 50+ This guide includes information about Taxicabs. In Montgomery County, all taxicab companies must have wheelchair accessible taxis in their fleets. Anytime Taxi focuses on consumers needing wheelchair accessible vehicles and drivers with interest and experience in supporting the needs of all consumers.
Finally, GoGo is a national company that connects people without smartphones to service provided by transportation network companies. Families can arrange trips for loved ones and receive texts and by-the-minute ride updates. Riders can set up automatic rides for fixed appointments or can order rides as soon as 15 minutes prior to pick-up. You can go online to see pricing and availability. They can also be reached at: 855-464-6872 (Toll Free) and [email protected].
Car Sharing
Examples of car sharing services for person-to-person sharing are Getaround and Turo. Zipcar is a company that offers car sharing with a membership program. If you would prefer to borrow a car to drive yourself, car sharing may be for you. For more information, see our page on Car Sharing.