By simply dialing “0,” GreatCall customers can stay independent by scheduling Lyft rides with their Jitterbug phone without requiring a smartphone app
GreatCall, today announced the nationwide availability of GreatCall Rides, a partnership with Lyft that addresses one of the top issues that seniors face: transportation. With GreatCall Rides, customers are able to stay independent by scheduling Lyft rides via a personal operator, without needing a smartphone or smartphone app.
GreatCall Rides: How It Works
Customers simply press “0” on their Jitterbug phones and tell GreatCall’s Personal Operator Service where they want to go. The cost of the ride, along with a nominal fee, will be added to the customer’s monthly bill.
GreatCall Rides is now widely available across the country, and GreatCall customers will receive $5 off on their first ride. “I’ve been using the Lyft service through GreatCall for almost two years now since giving up driving, and it’s a huge help,” said Sacramento-based GreatCall customer Carol S. “It’s my primary form of transportation to doctors’ appointments, the grocery store, visits with friends, and anywhere else I may need to go.”
Impact of Giving Up Driving for Seniors
Giving up driving is one of the top fears of older adults, impacting independence, self-esteem, and the ability to participate in social activities. GreatCall Rides offers an easy-to-use and affordable option, helping older adults to get around without having to use a smartphone app. This is especially important for people living in cities that do not have easily-navigated public transportation. GreatCall found that 77 percent of its pilot riders are repeat riders – continuously relying on this service to live independently.
Expansion on Initial Pilot Program
GreatCall and Lyft originally partnered last year to roll out a pilot program in five markets with significant populations of older adults, which was met with overwhelming success and wide adoption. Seventy-seven percent of GreatCall Rides’ pilot riders are repeat riders –continuously relying on this service to live independently.
Best Buy Acquisition of GreatCall
Best Buy acquired GreatCall earlier this year to address the growing needs of the aging population with the help of technology products, services, and solutions. Today, there are approximately 50 million Americans over 65 years old, a number that is expected to increase by more than 50 percent within the next 20 years.
“While ride sharing services for this age group are often seen as a way to get to medical appointments, our customers use it for much more – staying connected with friends and family and participating in the activities they love,” said David Inns, CEO of GreatCall. “With social isolation a critical healthcare risk in aging, transportation solutions like GreatCall Rides makes a difference in health and wellness.”
