Uber, Lyft, paratransit, and Medicaid cabs compared:

Being disabled is very isolating. Being poor and disabled sucks! Being disabled can mean a loss of independence. Either way, without a personal form of transportation, what are you supposed to do? Well-intentioned friends and family can try to help, but it gets old very quickly for them–even if they are paid for their time.

So, what are the options? How do you get to the store, doctors’ appointments, or even visit friends? Let’s look at alternatives like Lyft/Uber, Paratransit, and Medicaid cab service.

What choices do I have for transportation?

Lyft / Uber

Click either Lyft or Uber to be taken to their site.

Paratransit

Click to be taken to the application

Medicaid cab

Click to be taken to the application and more information on this service.

*** Once you download the app, use the referral/promo codes below to help with my transportation costs. Consider it a “Thank-you”!

Lyft referral code: Lisa88198

Uber referral code: lisap18506ue

Do I need a smartphone or computer to use the service?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid cab
Smartphone and app required	Once approved and you’ve received your ID card, call to schedule your ride. A computer is best when scheduling repeat trips	A computer is best, but not required.

How do I apply to use the service?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid cab
N/A	***Application and approval required	Active Medicaid Card, application, and approval required.

*******The application is in 2 parts. The 2^nd part must be filled out by a medical professional. Once you are approved, you will need to send a digital photo for your ID card. You have to show your ID card to the driver on every trip.

How do I use the service?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid cab
Smartphone app	Must call by 4pm the day prior to your trip.	Schedule at least 3 days in advance

Can I cancel at the last minute?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid cab
YES	Yes***	Yes ***

***If you cancel your trip (or are a no-show for pickup) with Paratransit or Medicaid cab at the last minute, you may be penalized. Multiple cancellations, or no-shows, can result in loss of service.

How much does it cost?

Lyft / Uber	Paratransit (PAL)***	Medicaid cab
Click Lyft or Uber above to get a fare estimate	$4 one way	Free

***If you are approved to use the PAL Service, you can ride regular buses and the train for free.

What can it be used for?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid cab
Anything	Anything	Medical / health care appointments only

Are there any restrictions?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid cab
No…If you are disabled, contact your driver to ensure they are able to handle your unique situation.	Must have prior approval for additional passengers; only 2 “grocery sized” bags allowed; destination location must be within ¾ mile of regular bus stop	Must have prior approval for additional passengers, used for healthcare appointments only

Will they take me to and from my exact location?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid cab
Yes	Yes***	Yes

***Paratransit may require you (if you are able) to be picked up at the main bus stop (i.e. in a plaza or mall)

Can I make more than one stop?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit (PAL)	Medicaid Cab
Yes – additional charges will apply	Yes – additional charges will apply and must be scheduled in advance	Only if you are going to another health care appointment and must be scheduled in advance – no additional charges apply

Can I have someone ride with me?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid Cab
Yes – no additional charges will apply	Yes – with prior Authorization	Yes – with prior authorization

Will they take me directly home or to my destination?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid Cab
Yes	No***	Yes

***The paratransit may not take you directly to your destination. It is a ride-share service and there may be other riders picked up or dropped off during your trip.

Will I get a confirmation call to verify my ride is on the way?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid Cab
Yes – alerts/text messages	Yes	Yes

What if I schedule a pickup from my appointment, but it runs later than expected?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid Cab
You can order/ cancel a ride at any time.	You will have to make other arrangements. PAL will NOT return.	Contact your driver to let them know you will be running late. In my experience, I discuss it with the driver and make arragements for a call or text with them. Other drivers may ask you to calll the main office.

Are gift cards available?

Lyft/Uber

Paratransit

Medicaid Cab

Yes – Anyone with an account can buy anyone else credit toward future rides for any amount they choose.

Anyone can buy a bus pass for someone to use. Amounts are:

10 rides: $35

20 Rides: $70

Ride credits never expire as long as client has an active account.

N/A

Do they accept cash?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid Cab
No – your credit card is kept securely in the app. All transactions are done via the app.	Yes. Trips are $4 one way	N/A

Will I get a reminder call before my trip?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit (PAL)	Medicaid Cab
N/A	Usually. The reminder call should be received prior to the PAL arrival. Sometimes calls are not received so be sure to write down when your Pal is supposed to arrive.	Sometimes. It is best top call the number on the MAS invoice and confirm.

How far in advance should I schedule my ride?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit (PAL)	Medicaid Cab
When you are ready to be picked up or you can schedule it in advance on the app.	You can schedule your trip as far in advance as 14 days. The latest you can schedule a trip is 4 pm the day before you need a ride.	***You can schedule a ride as far in advance as you want (provided your Medicaid is active) or 3 days Before your appointment.

*** If you are taken to the hospital by ambulance, but need a ride to return home, speak to the clerk at the desk. They can call a ride for you at no cost to you. Ask them to call a Medicaid cab for you. You may have to wait 2 hours (or more) to get a ride.

Can I choose my driver?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid Cab
If you want a different driver, cancel your ride in the app and choose a different driver.	No. These are NFTA bus drivers and you have to take what is available.	Yes. There is a variety of different services that provide transportation to Medicaid recipients. Just log into your account and choose your preferred service from the list.

What is the window for pick up?

Lyft/Uber	Paratransit	Medicaid Cab
About +/- 10 minutes	*** ½ hour or more before or after your requested pick up time	To be taken to an appointment, in my experience, I’ve had drivers call to ask if they can pick me up 2 hours ahead of time. Other times, I’ve had drivers show up an hour before. Going home, I’ve had top wait up to 3 hours to get picked upto go home.

PAL is unreliable when trying to pin them down to a pickup time. You may receive the reminder call before, during or after your pickup. Just because you receive a call to let you know they are on their way, does NOT mean they will be there when you expect them. Either way, if you miss them when they arrive, you have to find an alternate ride home.

Depending on the service you choose for your Medicaid cab, your experience can vary greatly. I suggest trying a few before settling on the one you like.

One final note: Getting out is expensive! You can save some money by mixing and matching the services to your liking. Let’s say you take a Medicaid cab to your appointment. Afterward, there is a store along the way where you would like to stop. Sometimes,you can schedule your ride home later, go to your appointme4nt then walk to and from the store back to the office yoou were dropped off at. You can take a Lyft/Uber from the store to your home.

Let’s say you have to go grocery shopping. You can take the paratransit there and take a Lyft/Uber home.

Maybe you want to go to the YMCA (free for some insurances) but the Paratransit doesn’t go to the location you prefer. You can try another location.