Uber has launched its new senior-friendly accounts, designed to make ride-hailing more accessible for older adults. The updated accounts feature a simplified design, larger typeface, and fewer buttons, with options for saved destinations and expanded payment methods.
Starting today, the accounts will be available to all customers nationwide in the US, as well as select areas in Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Portugal, France, and South Africa. The move is seen as a necessary step in a world where one out of six people will be 60 years old or over by 2030.
The new accounts will appear alongside teen accounts in Uber’s family profile feature, allowing seniors to designate a family member or caregiver who can book rides and change settings. Customers can also opt-in to share their location with caregivers.
Uber is not the only company taking steps to improve accessibility for older adults. Lyft recently launched “Lyft Silver” accounts, which offer similar features to Uber’s senior-friendly accounts. However, Lyft’s approach includes more accessible vehicles and customer service support staffed by human employees.
The move comes as Uber looks to expand its core ride-hailing service to better serve this demographic. The company has previously tested new features for seniors, including a 1-800 number for ride requests in early 2020.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/678874/uber-senior-account-elderly-font-simple