Lyft Healthcare announced this week the launch of Lyft Assisted, which the company described as a service “for riders who want a little extra help.”
Lyft states in the announcement that nearly 6 million residents of the United States miss or put off healthcare appointments because of transportation problems. Lyft is rolling out the service as part of its Lyft Concierge B2B platform.
Lyft described the benefits of Lyft Assisted, explaining that “riders will have a few extra minutes to connect with their drivers, helping to reduce missed connections and enhance the rider experience.” Another feature of the service is that drivers who are picking up a passenger will “park the car and meet the rider at the front door of the home or facility.”
Lyft said drivers will provide “light assistance” to riders, including help such as “providing an arm, elbow, or hand for assisting with stability, opening and closing doors, and storing light personal belongings.”
Lyft stated it is targeting the service for customers who might struggle to locate ride-sharing vehicles, are elderly, have difficulty with sight or hearing, and “people who might be a bit unsteady on their feet.”
Lyft noted in the news release that the service is not intended to provide transportation for medical emergencies.
Lyft already works with health care systems and other health care providers, the company stated.
After a trial rollout, Lyft stated, reviews from providers and patients were positive.
The company quoted Dr. Nehal Gheewala of ChenMed, a Florida-based health care network focused on serving senior citizens: “Lyft Assisted has boosted our patients’ satisfaction with transportation tremendously. Our transportation survey score has increased from the 80s to above 90 in the markets where we have Lyft Assisted, which is a huge success.”
In other Lyft-related news, the ridesharing company announced Tuesday (April 19) that it has agreed to buy PBSC Urban Solutions, a supplier of bicycle sharing equipment and technology to customers around the world.
Read more: Lyft to Acquire Bike-Share Provider PBSC Urban Solutions
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More