SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 30, 2016) - GreatCall Inc., the leader in connected health for active aging, is starting a program that addresses one of the top issues in aging: transportation. The GreatCall Rides program will provide GreatCall customers with easy access to Lyft services -- without an app -- through GreatCall's Personal Operator Services.
"We know, both from our customers and research by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, that transportation limitations seriously impact the independence and self-confidence of older adults," says David Inns, CEO of GreatCall. "While many of us are aware of and comfortable with ride sharing apps, the technology requirements -- a smart phone and an app -- make it difficult for many older adults," adds Inns. "By incorporating it as part of GreatCall's Personal Operator Services -- having requests handled 24/7 by a member of our U.S.-based customer service team -- we make it easy as well as affordable and reliable."
GreatCall Rides pilot program is focusing on five markets with significant populations of older adults -- California, Florida, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Arizona. GreatCall customers simply press "0" on their Jitterbug phones and tell the Personal Operator where they want to go. Rides in pilot markets arrive in under 10 minutes and can be booked up to one week in advance. The costs of rides, plus a nominal fee, are added to the customer's monthly bill.
"We know older adults may have a more difficult time getting around," explains Gyre Renwick, Head of Healthcare Enterprise Partnerships at Lyft. "In addition to night driving and freeway concerns, many don't own or want a smartphone. So we created the Concierge platform to allow partners like GreatCall to provide this service to their members. Whether they're going to a doctor's appointment, shopping or lunch with friends, no one's independence should be impacted by transportation concerns," says Renwick.
The pilot launched in all five markets on August 22. Rollout to additional markets will be announced as the pilot moves forward. GreatCall customers will receive $5.00 off on their first ride as an introductory promotion.
"The impact of transportation accessibility also burdens family caregivers, with 78 percent of them providing transportation for their family members -- a situation that will worsen as our population ages. By creating this partnership with Lyft, we can eliminate a key barrier to mobility," adds Inns.
Additional information is available at greatcall.com/rides.
About GreatCall
GreatCall is the leader in connected health for active aging. With health and safety solutions for older adults and their family caregivers, GreatCall's innovative suite of easy-to-use mobile products and award-winning approach to customer care helps aging consumers live more independent lives. Products and services include: Lively Wearable, Lively Alert, Jitterbug Flip, Jitterbug Smart and health, safety and wellness apps Urgent Care, GreatCall Link, MedCoach and 5Star.
GreatCall's products and services are sold nationwide at leading retailers as well as direct to consumers at 1-800-296-4993 and online at GreatCall.com. Service covers the U.S. GreatCall is headquartered in San Diego, CA. To learn more about GreatCall products and services, please visit www.GreatCall.com. This news release and other corporate assets are available at www.greatcall.com/newsroom or follow our news on Twitter @GreatCallinc and on Facebook at Facebook.com/greatcall.
About Lyft
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to reconnect people and communities through better transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S and is available in more than 200 cities. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to affecting positive change for the future of our cities.
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