Lyft, Inc.

Ride-share services can be a successful means to meet your transportation needs.  Keep in mind the drivers are people who use their own vehicles to pick up and drive passengers to their destination. Before considering a ride-share service Business Consumer Alliance advises that you consider the following:

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• ~ Before doing business with a company always check out their BCA reliability report. In addition conduct an online search of the business and even its employees to check out the company’s reputation.
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• ~ Check out the method of contact for a business. Be aware that some businesses only communicate via email or on their website. This information is important if you need to contact them for any reason such as to dispute a charge report missing items or to complain.
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• ~ Always read and understand the terms and conditions of any service. Also read the companies privacy policy to see how your information will be used. If you do not agree with any part of the terms or conditions reconsider using the service.
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• ~ Take note of the company’s cancellation policy. Fees may apply if you fail to cancel services in the allotted time.
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• ~ Safety is important. As an added security measure consider arranging to be picked up in a public location or arrange to be picked up on the corner and not directly in front of your home or place of employment. Another option is to take someone you know along on your ride if possible.
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• ~ Some ride-share services allow you to split the fare when you travel along with other passengers who have accounts with the company.  Make sure the other passenger(s) accepts the split fare request on their app and confirm that the feature is active before the ride. Typically the ride-share service will deny requests to split the fare after the ride.
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• ~ If the driver is going faster than you are comfortable with they are distracted by their phone or if the conditions of the ride are undesirable speak up. Ask them in a non confrontational way to make an adjustment. If they are unwilling to make note of that when you rate them.
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• ~ Before exiting the vehicle double check that you have all of your belongings.
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• ~ Rate the driver honestly. Do not feel pressured by drivers requesting good ratings. Remember others will rely on these ratings and it may help the well being of other fellow passengers when you rate the experience honestly.
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• ~ Use of the app requires you to register your banking or credit card information. Make sure to check your statements frequently for unauthorized charges or inaccuracies.
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• ~ Ride-sharing services in California are prohibited from dropping off passengers at airports unless they have a specific agreement with the individual airport. Keeping this in mind you may have to be picked up or dropped off outside of the airport.
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• ~ If you experience a problem file a complaint with BCA. 
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