Public Transportation and Ride Sharing

Objectives:

  • Discuss taxis and ride share options for traveling around the city
  • Discuss safety tips when taking a taxi or ride share

Let’s Start with Trivia Taxi Game!

Let’s Review: Can You Do This on a Bus?

What is a Taxi Service?

READ: A taxi, also known as a taxicab or simply a cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers. A taxicab takes passengers between locations of their choice. This differs from public transport where the pick-up and drop-off locations (i.e., bus stops) are decided by the service provider, and not by the customers. When you use a taxi, you can tell where you want to be picked up and dropped off. Often, to hire a taxi, you need to call a taxi service. (Adapted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxi)

What is Ride Share?

(Adapted from https://www.verywellhealth.com/travel-training-for-people-with-autism-5186507)

READ: While it can be hard to find a taxi in many small towns, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are almost everywhere. They can provide independent transportation for a fee, and the apps make the process almost seamless.

Ride-sharing can be the ideal answer to getting to and from work in a semi-rural area. In some cases, it is possible to find funding for a disabled Uber or Lyft user through adult services.

Benefits of Ride Sharing:

  • Riders with autism do not need to carry cash
  • The app makes the transaction, so there is no need to count the fare and tips
  • It is possible to track your ride on the app;
  • It’s possible to see a picture of the driver and their credentials ahead of time.
  • Your parent or caregiver can follow you with their smartphone, while you ride independently!
  • Uber will provide rides to support animals with their owners.

Using Uber or Lyft

  • Download and install an app for Uber and/or Lyft
  • Add a credit card or have your parent/caregiver help you with it
  • Plan for your destination
  • Request a ride

Here is how you can do all that using an Uber app. Note that Lyft app is very similar!

Safety Tips When You Take a Taxi

How to Stay Safe While Using Uber (or Lyft)

If Time… Let’s Have Fun with our Haunted Ship Escape Room!