Is it safe to take an Uber or Lyft right now?

Many states have started to slowly open back up and we have been receiving many inquiries on whether or not it is now safe to take rideshares once again. Based on our research and conversations with many rideshare drivers, we do feel taking an Uber or Lyft is a relatively low risk activity as long as you take the following precautions.

1. Always wear a mask and bring hand sanitizer to use after you touch the car door handle. Uber is even rolling out a new technology to verify that both the driver and rider are wearing masks during the entire ride. As an added bonus, some drivers suggest you also bring a few sanitizing wipes with you to quickly wipe down your seat before getting in.
   
   
2. Sit in the back of the car. Some drivers have even installed safety partitions between the front and back of the cars for added protection.
   
   
3. Load your own luggage and belongings into the car. Do not make your Uber driver get out of the car to greet you or load/unload your luggage.
   
   
4. Uber and Lyft have cancelled their shared rides options but we also suggest that you avoid ordering Uber or Lyft vehicles in large groups unless your have been quarantining with your entire group. It is also important to note that Uber has lowered their maximum rider capacity for Uber X from 4 to 3 people.
   
   
5. During this time, we suggest that you tip on the app and not in cash to avoid transferring germs.
   
   
6. Finally, do not take a rideshare vehicle if you have any Covid symptoms or have recently been exposed to a person who has tested positive for Covid-19.
   
   

If you follow these guidelines, taking an Uber or Lyft will be low risk when it comes to contracting Covid-19. Also, Uber has implemented a new checklist within their app to help remind you to wear your mask, wash your hands, etc before you get in your ride.

And, as always, please remember to tip your rideshare driver well. They are putting themselves in harms way to provide a service for our community and many of the drivers have spent money out of their own pockets to ensure their cars are as clean and protected as can be.