[IL-Talk] Suggestions about Using Lyft

[Leslie Hamric]

Hi Dan. Here are a few things that I've helped me out with Lyft/Uber. First, I have a shortcut in my phone called ITB which means I'm totally blind. In that shortcut I put the following text: I am totally blind. Eyes no work. Please speak my name when you pull up. I have used Aira before and have not had problems with the connection dropping so it could depend on the area where you're at. Third, about two minutes or so before the driver is to pull up, I called them, tell them what I'm wearing and that I have my cane orguide dog, and let's stay on the phone until you see me. You can always call Ira after you've scheduled the ride and let them know the color of the car that you're looking for and then they'll tell you when it pulls up. I have my notifications turned on so Lyft or Uber can notify me when the driver has pulled up. If I hear the car pulling up, I will go over to it and ask what their name is and where they're from. If the name matches what I have on the app, but I know that they're from Uber or Lyft and they're safe. I know what you mean about travel being a challenge, especially since the fares have gone out of style. For example, he used to cost me 30 bucks each way to get from my house to Elmhurst Symphony and now it's 50 bucks each way. And that's because I'm going in rush-hour. But if I were going in the morning, it would only cost me 30. And I am not paying 50 bucks each way to get to rehearsal. So Andy is driving me. But not everybody has a sighted person around so what do you do in that case? I hope these suggestions are helpful and hang in there. Hope hopefully others on the list will chime in on the discussion as well and have more suggestions.
Leslie


Leslie Hamric
Cello and Braille Music Teacher
Board member of National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division

> On Oct 5, 2021, at 9:15 AM, Dan TeVelde via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> 
> 
> I am running into a few issues with drivers. When they pick me up I can't
> find the car and they don't seem to understand my text messages. Many of the
> drivers don't speak English so it is hard to tell if they are taking me to
> the correct address. I use Aira to schedule Lyft but sometimes the
> connection drops or they can't find the driver either. Someone mentioned
> using a shortcut in the Lyft app to send a message to the driver notifying
> them I am blind and that they will need to identify themselves by speaking
> or honking their horn. Traveling has become a real challenge. I don't
> usually have a sighted person who can take me on errands and I hate
> bothering people.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Dan
> 
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