As an adult living with vision loss, I don’t drive anymore. When my husband isn’t carting us around, I rely on public transit and rideshares to get where I need to go. I’m well aware of common safety concerns for women traveling solo, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be independent. After a few years of using rideshare services successfully, here are my tips:
- Charge your phone.
- Choose your pick-up location carefully. On Lyft, I drag the pin to the place I’m comfortable waiting—protected from the elements, able to hear alerts. I prefer less crowded areas for higher visibility.
- If the driver can’t find me, I call and disclose more info like: I’m the lady with the white cane, holler or honk a few times when you pull up.
- When the car arrives, approach, but do not enter. Ask, “Is this the Lyft? Who are you here for?” If the driver says the wrong name, step away.
- If you have a negative experience, try to document it with photos or video or audio to share with your feedback to the company. If you have a positive experience, tip accordingly and give a good rating on your app.
What do you think of rideshare services? What have your trips been like? How would you travel if you couldn’t drive? Tell me about it.
Adventures in Low Vision 
Companies like Lyft and Uber have allowed me to not only get a job far away from public transit, but to change jobs for better pay and opportunities. Without them I’d be stuck only going out for jobs near transit lines. I’ve had a ride or two where I thought the driver was a bit odd but I’ve not felt in danger. I’ve been more aware of making sure to ask the driver ‘What is my name?’ to make sure they are a legitimate rideshare driver and not some crimminal luring people to danger. I don’t want to go back to a life without rideshare.
That’s great, Casee! Rideshares bridge gaps.
Great information Susan!
Thanks!