Uber is rolling out an update this week for older riders, improving the ride-sharing experience for both individuals and families. As part of Uber’s Family profile, the new Senior Accounts can connect with other riders’ accounts to enhance safety and payment functionalities. Family members have the ability to book rides, modify account settings, and communicate with the driver during a trip on behalf of the rider.
The app will also undergo a thoughtful redesign: Senior Accounts will feature larger text, fewer buttons and ride options, along with straightforward prompts. Family members will be able to monitor rides in real time. Dubbed Simple Mode, this app experience can be enabled directly in the user’s settings, even if a Senior Account isn’t linked to a family profile.
“Senior accounts and Simple mode mark a significant step in Uber’s continuous dedication to accessible transportation,” stated Ashu Manohar, director of product management at Uber. “These features signify our commitment to crafting technology that aligns with people’s needs and fosters mobility at every life stage.”
Uber is also broadening payment alternatives for Senior Accounts, which now include utilizing a connected family member’s card or Medicare Flex cards, which serve as prepaid debit cards within the Medicare Advantage (Part C) program.
The new Senior Accounts are the latest in a series of enhancements to Uber’s services, including a recent pilot program with the U.S. Army and a growth of its autonomous vehicle collaboration with Waymo.
In May, Uber’s rival Lyft introduced Lyft Silver, a comparable simplified app experience for older riders featuring enlarged text, streamlined ride options, and round-the-clock live phone support. Lyft Silver can be incorporated into family accounts and joint wallets, as well as the courtesy ride program Lyft Concierge, which enables others to arrange rides for the rider.