Healthy Ride-Hailing – How Are Rideshare Companies Responding To COVID-19?
Understandably, the COVID-19 Pandemic dealt a massive blow to the ridesharing industry. As more people chose to drive or ride a bike, companies like Uber and Lyft noticed a dramatic downturn in ridership.
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Although both ride-hailing companies aren’t back to their pre-pandemic levels, they are now operating in most locations. Indeed, executives credit their drivers for providing an essential service for medical workers during these challenging times.
Uber and Lyft also recognize that using a rideshare vehicle is inherently “high risk” from the CDC’s perspective. However, both companies have put dozens of new protocols to keep their drivers and passengers safe. The hope is these new procedures could keep people moving while “slowing the spread.”
How Are Uber And Lyft Keeping Riders Safe During COVID-19?
Want A Lyft? Be Sure You Have A Facemask!
The most obvious feature both Lyft and Uber put into place is a mandatory mask policy. Both drivers and customers now must wear a mask throughout their journey.
You might be wondering how these companies could enforce these rules, especially considering drivers are “independent contractors.” Interestingly, Uber developed a novel technology that could scan a driver’s face. When someone starts their shift with Uber, they need to pass a “face scan” to verify they’re wearing a mask. If the camera doesn’t sense a face mask, drivers won’t gain access to their app.
To learn more about this fascinating technology, be sure to read this official blog post.
Lending A (Sanitized) Hand – Discounted Disinfectants
Sanitization is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Hence, Uber and Lyft place a heavy emphasis on frequent cleaning. To help their drivers keep their vehicles squeaky clean, both companies now offer discounted cleaning supplies in their official stores.
Uber also partnered with Clorox to help provide sanitization kits to thousands of drivers. According to Uber’s official website, it has given out at least 600,000 Clorox goods to drivers in major cities like NYC and Chicago. Uber also has a reimbursement program where drivers could send receipts for cleaning goods and apply for financial assistance. Anyone interested could find Uber’s reimbursement protocols on this website.
Fresh Air, Fewer Germs – New Open Window Policy
Uber and Lyft are also promoting safety by encouraging riders and passengers to open their windows. While this may seem too simple to work, new scientific data suggests it can minimize the spread of COVID-19.
For extra security, rideshare passengers also have to sit in the back seat of their car. Lyft also announced it will pause its “shared rides” service to reduce the number of passengers in a vehicle. All of these measures should increase the space inside a car, which cuts down the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Could Rideshare Get First Dibs On Vaccines?
Lastly, Uber and Lyft have been working hard to get their drivers priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine. In late 2020, executives at both ridesharing companies argued their drivers should be considered essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. There has also been rumors Uber or Lyft could offer employees incentives for getting the COVID-19 vaccination.
At this point, it’s unclear whether governments will give rideshare contractors access to the COVID-19 vaccine, but it’s worth researching if you frequently use these services. It’s also worth mentioning that Uber offers free and discounted rides to people who want to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone interested in this program should check out this article.
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