Rideshare Apps

Rideshare in Santa Clara County is a more digitized version of the traditional taxi. Rates for distance or time are typically set by a company and can be displayed in-app beforehand, allowing the user to pick the ride with the rates they are most comfortable with.

  1. Safety

As with anything else, safety is the most important. While there are some concerns about getting a ride from a complete stranger, most accepted rideshare services are completely safe.

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To sign up to be a driver, a person has to go through background checks and vehicle safety certification and/or licensing. 

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When getting a ride, it is important to double-check the license plate and confirm on the app that the driver has arrived so you know you're getting in the right car.

2. Common Apps: Lyft & Uber

Many apps follow a similar layout or pattern in getting a ride. 

  1. Download your app of choice and create an account using your email.

  2. Make sure GPS services are enabled on the app to ensure that you can use it.

  3. There should be a search bar for a destination - look for the location you want to go to and select your preferred mode of travel. (Some platforms allow you to select certain types of cars or if you would like to carpool for a cheaper ride.)

  4. A button will appear allowing you to request or select a type of ride and confirm your pickup location.

  5. Wait for your driver to get there and take you to your destination! When they arrive, be sure to confirm on the app and check the car to stay safe

These apps also offer a service known as "ridepooling" where the driver can also pick up/drop off other passengers along the current route. This allows for a cheaper ride to your desired destination.

The fees for the ride are calculated by taking factors such as weather, traffic, availability, and distance into consideration. If the conditions in which the ride is requested are more dangerous or hectic, fares may increase.

With their new program Lyft Up, Lyft offers extra benefits to seniors and other underserved communities. They offer discounted ride services and food delivery.

3. Ryde

RYDE, short for Reach Your Destination Easily, is a service specifically designed for adults at 65 and older in the Santa Clara County. After registering through their website, you can travel anywhere within the city limits of Campbell, Cupertino, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, and parts of San Jose. ​

  • RYDE can be a more affordable option for some, because they also consider income in addition to distance travelled when calculating fees.

  • A caveat is that rides must be scheduled by call up to two business days in advance within certain hours, but on the flipside, they can be scheduled up to four weeks ahead. 

Note that when traveling with others, who are not registered on RYDE, they must fill out a form to be alllowed on as a passenger.

Transportation hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Telephone hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

*with the exception of holiday hours (listed on the RYDE website)