Lyft said it is working with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) by supplying a select number of the council’s member senior centres with $15 and $25 Lyft ride credits.
These can be given to a senior centre’s caregivers to help them pay for transportation to deliver essential food and supplies to their older loved ones who are isolated at home.
Lyft is piloting the project with NCOA member senior centres AgeOptions in Illinois, Brookline Senior Multi-Service Center in Maryland, the Jewish Family Service of San Diego and On the Go in California.
As in many countries during the crisis, older adults and people with chronic health conditions are thought to be at higher risk of severe complications from Covid-19 than younger people.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending older people stay at home as much as possible during the outbreak.
"Families across the country are looking for ways to support their older loved ones during this pandemic," said Anna Maria Chávez, executive vice president of the NCOA. "We are grateful to Lyft for stepping in.”
Lyft and the NCOA intend to expand the pilot in the coming weeks to additional senior centres across the US.
Lyft, founded in 2012, is available to 95% of the US population, according the service provider.
The company says that it bridges transportation gaps by promoting shared rides, bike-share systems, electric scooters and public transit partnerships.
