Using Uber and Lyft as a Blind Person

In this video I discuss using Uber and Lyft as a blind or visually impaired person. I give some general information about these ride sharing services, tips for using them when you are blind or visually impaired, and some tips for staying safe.

[@HomewayTherapy]

Thank you for this super helpful detailed video! I'm an occupational therapist and have a blind client who asked me to help her start using Uber and Lyft. I have to admit, as a sighted male, the safety concern didn't even cross my mind. This once again reminds me to step outside my own mind and think like the client. Thank you!

[@jaynunes2501]

Thanks for providing some excellent tips for the visually impaired. I’ve used Uber and Lyft for several years as a visually impaired person. I typically use them in conjunction with the Aira app. This way the agent can use the camera on my phone to confirm the car’s license plate, color, and make. I think the rest of your tips are very good, and excellent advice for users.

[@BlindtoBillionaire]

Hey Cayla! Awesome video, this is so helpful and encouraging. It’s nice to hear that you use the services regularly with ease and they are so accessible for someone with low vision. This is a great video, I may just order one right now and take a little spin around town. LOL. Thanks again Cayla :-) Matt

[@CaylawithaC]

Thanks Matt! You totally should! You’d be surprised just how much of a difference it can make in your life

[@BlindtoBillionaire]

Cayla with a C thank you for the encouragement! I may just need to do that, it would be very exciting, but would also make me very nervous and if we drove into an area that I was not familiar with as I would not be able to see anything to know where I am. LOL. Have a great Sunday! Matt

[@darquequeen2323]

I’ve only used Lyft, but I got stories...in fact, just last Friday, I had one driver nearly break my foot at Costco, then took exception to my reaction. I made a complaint with Lyft, who refunded my boyfriend. That last driver you spoke about, the potential stalker... Wtf?! 😱 And sighted people wonder why some blind folks don’t react well to probing questions they think are perfectly fine to ask. Glad you made it out of that situation ok.

[@CaylawithaC]

Wow, they almost broke your foot? That’s scary. How did that happen? And yeah, I have become an expert at dodging questions. Sometimes people seem perfectly nice and like they are just trying to make casual conversation, but you never know, so I never give out too much information

[@darquequeen2323]

Cayla with a C To be succinct, the Costco my boyfriend and I were at (in Kirkland, WA) is on a terrain that has many hills. The entrance has a slight decline, just enough that gravity would cause the cart to roll into cars, people, or cause an accident. I was using my foot to prevent the cart for moving, which was fine, until not giving me a chance to move my foot, the driver started yanking on the cart, while I yelled at him in pain and anger. I tried to warn him as he approached, but he had no intention of hearing anything I had to say. 🤬🤬

[@dustindisque3107]

@@CaylawithaC thank you for the message I gave you my number I hope I can be friends with you you can call me anytime

[@phonepup06]

Calling a designated person and specifying that you’re expected at a specific place also makes it less likely that they will try to take you somewhere else. If they know someone is expecting you then they’ll fear that person will be more likely to call the police and know all the details are on Lyft. It’s so scary about the second story; especially since you cannot see what is going on. It is impossible to say for sure what could’ve happened, but it’s so great that you made it out unharmed.

[@CaylawithaC]

That’s a really good idea!

[@phonepup06]

@@CaylawithaC thanks! And thanks for replying to a comment on an old video.

[@JuanAlcazar]

Oh nice to know about that 5 minute rule that Lyft has. Wasn’t aware of that. I hadn’t even thought about the being on the phone with someone idea. Really good advice right there. One thing I do is if I’m having to wait in a crowded area I’d tell the driver that I’m blind and holding a white cane so they can spot me easier. Oh and really glad that nothing happened to you during that ride where the driver said they had to go to the bathroom. I don’t blame you for hitting the panic button. I’d be reacting in the same way.

[@CaylawithaC]

I’m glad I could offer you a few pieces of valuable information. Yeah I agree, if I am in a crowded place when I call the driver to tell them what I look like and what I’m wearing I always mention that I have a white cane.

[@Colebop123]

Hey I'm visually impaired I'm not blind but you really inspired me. I wish we could connect and be friends. Being visually impaired really limits what you can do. I been fired. I hate living on government assistance. I want to be useful but it's hard not hsving transportation or the funds to do it but honestly u really inspired me.

[@Colebop123]

Cayla they also hsve e sight robots glasses for visually impaired check into it ok

[@kevindavis4709]

You’re inspiring this shows people they can still get around enjoying life when they’re not able too or have a car. I know a person that has good eyesight but they complain about not having a car I’m like what’s stopping you from living life? A blind person can live life going from point A to point B without a car then the person I know with good vision should be able too go places least they can see who they getting in the car with. That’s why I admire you so much cause you show people they can live life when they try and put effort into their life too have a life.

[@melanies.6139]

Thanks for doing this video! I have used both Uber and Lyft and my last couple Lyft experiences were negative as far as customer service went. Like dropping me off two driveways down from mine and one time was in a pouring down monsoon rain. That time I complained to Lyft and their customer service is excellent. I’m going to use your safety tips. My mother-in-law discourages me from using the rideshare services because she’s convinced I’ll be kidnapped. My husband assures me if I was kidnapped they would give me back quickly LOL. He’s so sweet. Anyway great video. :-)

[@CaylawithaC]

Hi Melanie! Thank you! That’s unfortunate that your past few experiences have been negative. I have had a handful of negative experiences myself, but they are overwhelmingly outnumbered by positive ones. My family also worries about me using these services. I feel like if you’re vigilant the odds of something happening to you are very very slim

[@adamguymon7096]

15:23 Here are at least a couple of things that would be cool? One is that Lyft and Uber should be required to have a feature that would notify you if the driver has to stop and it would use the GPS tracker in the app? The other thing would be that services like Be My Eyes etc would have a feature to make it so your cameras would be active but either the screens would be blank as if the phone is off or some photos that you have chosen would pop up so it would look like you are just looking at a pitcher? If that driver would have said "I have to use the restroom and we are at the McDonalds on 34th street" this would have been beneficial to you and would have been more appropriately handled and practices that Lyft and Uber to do? 16:16 One thing is that Uber and Lyft are not "Wheelchair Accessible". I know that people with SDs or Guide Dogs are always being left and ADA law gets broke a lot?

[@amberpikaloveschu6966]

Thanks for sharing this video. I too use iber or Lyft as a low vision person but sometimes I don’t always have good experiences. I write in the notes or personally message the driver telling them about my vision and if they can please call out my name when they arrive since I won’t be able to see them but they don’t always follow the instructions. I had a driver pull up to me before and honk at me even though I had my cane out and I told them I am visually impaired. I made the mistake asking the driver if they are Uber here for my name and she said yes. Luckily it was actually my driver though and she took me home. I’ve also had another driver pick me up from my apartments and pull up across the street and did not let me know they were there or anything and I didn’t know if it was them or not. Luckily I am able to see a little where I was able to see the color of the car and I walked behind the car to read the license plate and compared it to the app. It is very frustrating when drivers don’t follow the requests I wrote on the notes.

[@davidyoung3237]

Hi Cayla my name's David I'm 34 from brisbane Australia im servearly visually impaired with aphasia and glaucoma I'm a cane user and have been watching the your channel for a while. Your video had some fantastic tips on situations and solutions that Evan as a guy I'd never considered but as Iive allone now I probably should! . I generally use taxes in Australia they are heavley regulated have manditory GPS tracking and in car cameras I am also elegable to use a government funded taxi discount scheme due to the severity of my vision impairment. I have reported a few drivers over the years for misconduct one guy took me half way down the road at 2am after a night out in the city than dumped me in the middle of the road as he had decided to refuse my taxi subsidy card and would only take me to my destination if I paid full fare ( which in itself is totally against government policy) than I was in another cab when I was about 20 where very late at night on my way to work to start the 10.30pm-6am graveyard shift in the hotel i worked in all this driver spoke about was how sad it was that I'd never be able to stare at women because of my vision impairment- that was disgusting and creepy in the extreme had it not been late at night I'd have gotten out on the spot-however the cab companies were great in assisting me after I reported these issues-both drivers lost their jobs. # I will add cabs in Australia are by far and away very safe modes of transport as with all companies you occasionally come across a few bad eggs. Love the videos Cayla keep them coming. David Brisbane australia.

[@misskimmmyyy]

31 from Melbourne.. legally blind / vision impaired due to Purtschers Retinopathy. Would love to share stories with a fellow Aussie

[@CaylawithaC]

Hi David! Thank you for your comment. It’s good to know that Taxis in Australia are a good transportation option. Although those drivers you described were pretty bad, but at least the cab company took appropriate action.

[@krismarieli7032]

Hello david i am a 38 year old suffered vision loss from glaucoma and now legally blind with only light perception anyhow i am very happy to know about this where you come from it would be nice to visit at some point as it is on my list thank you for the shared information kisses from manila philippines

[@ldegraaf]

Lyft/uber drivers don't really like the "what is your name?" question because unfortunately the app doesn't give them your information so they have to look out for their safety too. One way that they do this is to ask you what driver you are waiting for or the location that you are going to. It also helps in crowded places so that they know that they aren't picking up the wrong person. I just wanted to share this information in case a driver doesn't want to give to their name. Remember also they have gone through background checks but the passengers haven't so it is also a little scary for them too. Thanks for this video it was really helpful.

[@CaylawithaC]

That’s a good point. Thanks for sharing. Usually when I ask their name I follow it up by saying that I just want to make sure I’m getting into the Rite car, but I completely understand why they may not want to give me their name. I have a friend who used to drive for Uber and lift and I remember him telling me that they are more scared of us than we are of them so I always keep that in mind

[@tp06]

These are very helpful tips. Thank you.

[@anodysseyofsteven1985]

HI CAYLA!!!, ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!! YOU LOOK AMAZING AS ALWAYS!!! ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO AND THANK YOU AS I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT USING THESE TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION, BUT A LITTLE NERVES AND ALL. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL INFORMATION AND I HOPE TO TRY EITHER ONE AND SEE WHICH I LIKE BETTER. TAKE CARE AND HOPE COLLEGE IS GOING WELL FOR YOU. HUGS!!!

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you!! I definitely understand the nerves. I was really scared to do it the first time, and after that I was nervous every time I took a ride. But after a while you get used to it and all that goes away. I hope you try it and like it. Good luck! And let me know how it goes

[@DistantAll]

Omg thank you! I’ve been wanting to use it by myself but I’m way too nervous about it. I’ve only ever taken an Uber or Lyft when other people call for one

[@CaylawithaC]

You are very welcome. I totally understand being nervous about it. I hope this helps you

[@BlindToes]

Good video Uber and Lyft is really handy to toes up

[@CaylawithaC]

Blind Toes thank you! Yes they have definitely been a game changer

[@briand3506]

OMG that was awesome! OK I warned you I would watch that video next and thanks for making it what a lot of info we can all use. I will setup an escape plan immediately. It’s such a great convenience and necessary evil since we can’t drive ourselves But sorry you had those creepy experiences mine have only been difficult finding my car and driver. And yes they always ask me for help finding my way so glad to hear so many tips for dealing with them. So much scarier for a girl. Glad to hear your strategies and to learn Lyft gives more time as I’ve had Uber leave me trying to find them. And especially learning I can rate them low to never deal with drivers again. So glad you’re there to teach us through experience. I hope I can learn enough to help others one day on how to navigate others through this too as I find my way through this difficult world. God bless you please keep the free flow of information coming. ;). Do you see smileys or other emoticons when we send them?

[@CaylawithaC]

Hi Brian! Thanks so much! I’m so glad that you found this video helpful. Yes, it can be quite scarier for a girl and I really appreciate that you acknowledge that. But it is still difficult for all of us blind folk. And yes, my phone reads emoji‘s to me, thank you for asking🙂

[@kimlackey4135]

There is a wonderful Facebook group called Blind Users of Uber and Lyft. Not only does it provide valuable information about both services and there apps, Group members talk about their experiences, share tips, and give insight about underhanded things that the drivers do to make extra money off of the riders.

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you for sharing!

[@vigal79]

This was a good video. But I feel that my situation is quite a bit different than a lot of people‘s. I live alone, and also I am a guide dog user. And I’m also a woman. Not that I don’t have friends, but I guess I’ve never set anything up with him about riding an Uber or lift and being in an unsafe situation. I have had the experience more times than I care to count, but I have been left standing there with my guide dog because they don’t wanna take me. And that’s pretty common Back when Lyft had live people in their customer service I actually called about a couple of drivers not wanting to take me with my dog. And they actually gave me credit on my account. One lady was actually astounded that the driver refused me with my guide dog. She just couldn’t believe it. I live in a pretty major city in the United States, and honestly I have not had any situation like what you described feeling creepy or anything like that. I did have a driver a couple of years ago, go on one of our freeways to my destinations and I heard that through the GPS. And I felt a little nervous, because I knew we were going way past where I needed to be. I actually had aira check to see what happened. And they told me, that we went pretty far out of our way. I actually got some money back.

[@KristinaArntz]

lots of great tips and info in your video, Cayla. I've only had a couple instances with drivers who tried to refuse to give me their name first....but I was persistent. I wasn't aware of the feature where you can share your ride with a contact on your phone.

[@CaylawithaC]

Hi Kristina! Thank you! I’m glad you learned something from this video. That’s really strange that a driver wouldn’t give you their name. I don’t understand why they would refuse. I guess in those cases you can ask for their license plate number, or ask them if they know your name

[@Positivekitten]

I’m not sure how A driver can refuse to give their name, because when it confirms your ride, it will tell you the name of the driver, show their photo (I know that if you can’t see, it doesn’t really help but it will definitely be there) as well as their phone number and what kind of car they are driving.

[@randaalamin4250]

Hi cayla. I think feeling dependant is the worst thing ever. I have never go outside by myself. My mom worries too much and she doesn't trust strangers so i think she will never allow me using uber. My only wish is to be independent and go whereever i want without someone catching my hand and leading me.

[@CaylawithaC]

I think it’s natural for parents to worry. My dad worries a lot about me using Uber, but I don’t let that stop me. I think it depends on how old you are though. If you are an adult I think it’s OK to do what’s best for you even if your parents are scared

[@mrsteresa1999]

Another really great video with a lot of well articulated information. I have never used Uber or Lyft for myself, but my legally blind son who is 24 has gotten me rides with them before. my two youngest sons are 24 + 22 and they are both legally blind as well.

[@ktb1381]

Great video! Uber app will give you as much time as it takes for the uber car to get to you. That could be 2 minutes or 5, or whatever.

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! I was actually referring to once they have arrived at your house the driver will only wait for you for two minutes. So if it takes you longer than two minutes to walk outside and find their car once they get there they may drive off without you

[@ktb1381]

@@CaylawithaC oh sorry, gotcha!

[@krismarieli7032]

Hello dear this is an amazing video very informational and very helpful especially to me i live in the philippines and we do have grab which is uber as well and your tips are very very sensible . What i can add is just to avoid the personal questions sometimes i would chat them up by asking them the questions that are asking me it's like throwing it back at them and seeing how they react or maybe if they give you their personal information as well then you have some kind of evidence that you can hold on to just in case any how thank you so much for sharing it so wonderful to always have your videos on hand kisses from manila philippines

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! That is a great tip to ask them personal questions as well. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@briand3506]

I tried Uber and Lyft and asked both about the wait time and they confirmed that Lyft does wait five minutes where Uber waits only two. I also asked about background checks being different with each to one driver who drives for both and he said he didn’t think so. Then I asked an Uber only driver and he said he believed his was very thorough but he wasn’t aware of a difference. Although only those doing the checks might even know. Anyway thanks again for a good vid on the subject. And will always appreciate all the tips. Is there a way to put in your profile with either to let them know about your condition so they don’t drive off while we work so hard to find them when they pull up? I stand outside and stare at my phone screen I can’t read hoping they roll down a window and call my name is my only trick. ;)

[@CaylawithaC]

Thanks for sharing. I’m not sure if there’s a way to put it in your profile, but with Lyft there is an option to send a note to your driver when you request it, so you could put in there that you are visually impaired

[@Positivekitten]

My husband drove for both Uber and lift for a while and said that the background check process was very similar for both of them

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you!! That’s good to know

[@rafaeltorovip]

Nice video. Very informative 😀👍

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it

[@farmboy2277]

This is very good incite and helpful suggestions. I am visually impared myself and have used Lyft a few times. This is unrelated but do you know of any food delivery services for fast food delivery services that are cheeper and more reasonably priced than uber eats and door dash if any?

[@CaylawithaC]

I can’t say that I know of any, although I get a lot of promos on Uber eats which makes it quite a bit more affordable than DoorDash. My husband has an Uber eats account too so we will toggle between our two accounts based on who has a promo available

[@farmboy2277]

Can i find the promotions within the app or do i have to be an uber one member?

[@Musica-p3m]

I can’t find the list app in my iPad…

[@HarrisInkwell]

Thank you for this video. My teachers told me that Lyft and Urber is to costly. Can you give me a rough idea of the costs?

[@rafaeltorovip]

Amanda Gene hello Amanda. The cost of Uber and Lyft will depend on the distance traveled. When you use those services you will know the cost for the ride before requesting the ride. Usually Uber and Lyft are more affordable than a taxi. I have been using both services for a couple of years and in my experience Uber can be at times be a little more expensive but the service and the drivers are more professional. You can download both apps to your phone and compare prices for your rides. Hope this information is useful for you.

[@CaylawithaC]

Hi Amanda! as Rafael stated the price of both Uber and lift varies. It depends on how far you are going and where you live, and also sometimes what time of day. It will tell you how much a ride costs before you book it so you can play around with the apps and compare prices. For a very rough estimate, it usually costs me around $12 to travel 6 miles

[@Positivekitten]

As the other replies said, it varies based on the distance you are traveling, and also whether you are traveling at a peak time such as rush-hour or if there is a special event in the area, But when you go to book your ride it will tell you the price before you confirm. It is definitely much cheaper than taxi cabs.

[@HarrisInkwell]

@@rafaeltorovip Thank you for the information.

[@HarrisInkwell]

@@CaylawithaC Thank you for the information.

[@annaparker5716]

Hi, miss Kayla. My name is Anna Parker. I live in North caroli. Na, I have a question, can you use Uber? Or list if you are a wheelchair/Walker user but you also still use a red and white cake question mark thank you.

[@CaylawithaC]

I don’t for sure know the answer to that but I would assume so

[@tomhocutt2013]

I had an Uber driver tell me that he couldn’t get on with Lyft because he had a criminal background

[@renaemirror7662]

I am so scared to even try I’m scared I won’t be able to find the car and I’m scared I won’t be able to find my way from the car to the door of the grocery store or whatever I’m trying to go to but thanks for the video

[@CaylawithaC]

I understand it can be really scary. You could always FaceTime a friend or family member and they could help guide you to the car or to the door of where you’re going

[@waylee264]

i love uber ☺️

[@CaylawithaC]

Me too! I don’t know what I would do without it

[@waylee264]

i tell the driver i'm blind beforehand

[@alizarehman1790]

I think Uber and lift a really good options and seeing as in covert times you don’t particularly want to be jumping on public transport but the only thing obviously has you say have to be mindful of is the driver and the atmosphere because as we know when you can’t see you don’t know with that person who is going to chat to you or sit with you is can I help you be very supportive or whether they’re going to start world War three and murder you

[@dustindisque3107]

Thank you for the message I hope I get to talk to you I want to be friends with you I gave you my number I hope I get to hear from you soon