GreatCall Inc. has started a program that addresses one of the top issues in aging: transportation. The GreatCall Rides program will provide GreatCall customers with easy access to Lyft services - without an app - through GreatCall's Personal Operator Services.
"We know, both from our customers and research by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, that transportation limitations seriously impact the independence and self-confidence of older adults," said David Inns, CEO of GreatCall. "While many of us are aware of and comfortable with ride sharing apps, the technology requirements - a smart phone and an app - make it difficult for many older adults," added Inns. "By incorporating it as part of GreatCall's Personal Operator Services - having requests handled 24/7 by a member of our U.S.-based customer service team - we make it easy as well as affordable and reliable."
GreatCall Rides pilot program is focusing on five markets with significant populations of older adults - California, Florida, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Arizona. GreatCall customers simply press "0" on their Jitterbug phones and tell the Personal Operator where they want to go. Rides in pilot markets arrive in under 10 minutes and can be booked up to one week in advance. The costs of rides, plus a nominal fee, are added to the customer's monthly bill.
"We know older adults may have a more difficult time getting around," explained Gyre Renwick, head of healthcare enterprise partnerships at Lyft. "In addition to night driving and freeway concerns, many don't own or want a smartphone. So we created the Concierge platform to allow partners like GreatCall to provide this service to their members. Whether they're going to a doctor's appointment, shopping or lunch with friends, no one's independence should be impacted by transportation concerns," said Renwick.
The pilot launched in all five markets on August 22. Rollout to additional markets will be announced as the pilot moves forward. GreatCall customers will receive $5.00 off on their first ride as an introductory promotion.
"The impact of transportation accessibility also burdens family caregivers, with 78 percent of them providing transportation for their family members - a situation that will worsen as our population ages. By creating this partnership with Lyft, we can eliminate a key barrier to mobility," added Inns.
