Ridesharing services like Uber for seniors and Lyft for seniors are excellent solutions for older adults who don’t want to drive themselves or navigate public transportation. These transportation services give seniors the freedom to move independently without relying on family members or dealing with inconsistent public transit.
However, one major issue for seniors using Uber is drivers canceling rides. This isn’t just frustrating — at GoGoGrandparent, we call this a critical failure. For many older adults, a canceled ride can mean missing important doctor’s appointments, losing mobility support, or disrupting an entire routine.
Here are 7 tips to help reduce the chances of canceled Uber rides — and how GoGoGrandparent helps make the experience more reliable and stress-free.
1. Use GoGoGrandparent
GoGoGrandparent was founded to help reduce these “critical failures.” Our goal is to make rides for older adults safer, easier, and more consistent than traditional app-based rides.
With GoGoRides, seniors avoid common problems that lead to canceled rides — like a driver being unable to find their pickup spot or confusion using the app.
Our GoGoGuardians screen drivers and vehicles for accessibility, professionalism, and reliability. They also monitor each trip to make sure passengers reach their destinations smoothly.
If a ride falls through, our operators can help find another driver quickly to minimize delays and ensure continuity of service.
Members can even dial a toll-free number instead of using a smartphone app. Once the request is placed, our GoGoGuardians take care of coordinating the ride.
Learn more about how GoGoRides helps seniors.
2. Schedule rides in advance
With GoGoGrandparent, you can schedule rides ahead of time — which helps reduce last-minute stress and ensures a smoother pickup process.
While GoGoGrandparent’s system begins looking for a driver shortly before your scheduled time, advance scheduling still helps plan your day and allows operators to confirm important details in advance.
Recurring rides can also be set up for regular appointments, classes, or activities.
Learn more about alternatives to driving for seniors.
3. Check a driver’s rating
Uber uses a rating system for both drivers and riders. Choosing higher-rated drivers can sometimes reduce the risk of cancellations, since these drivers tend to be more professional and reliable.
Because GoGoGrandparent pre-screens drivers through our GoGoGuardians network, you can ride with greater confidence knowing each driver has been vetted for quality and courtesy.
4. Check your own rating
Just as you can rate drivers, they can rate passengers. A low rider rating might lead to more cancellations. Sadly, some older adults receive unfair ratings when they need extra time or accessibility support.
GoGoGrandparent helps avoid misunderstandings by letting drivers know in advance if a passenger may need extra assistance, ensuring more comfortable experiences on both sides.
5. Provide clear instructions
Many cancellations happen because the driver can’t find the passenger — especially at large or complex locations like malls, hospitals, or shopping centers.
At GoGoGrandparent, our operators ask clarifying questions to help drivers find you easily. This might include:
- Which entrance or landmark you’re near (e.g., the grocery or pharmacy side at Walmart)
- What you’re wearing (e.g., a blue shirt or red hat)
- If you’re using a mobility device
Even if you only have a flip phone, having a reachable number helps ensure smooth communication and easier pickups.
Taking a moment to share those small details helps reduce confusion and makes your experience more efficient.
6. Be ready when you request
Drivers often operate on tight schedules. If they arrive and don’t see you right away, they may cancel and move on. Try to be ready at the pickup spot with your belongings, mobility aids, and ID when the car is approaching.
If you’ll need help getting from your porch or building entrance to the car, let our GoGoGuardians know when you call so they can alert the driver in advance.
7. Consider the time of day
Cancellations can be more frequent during busy times, like rush hour or late evenings. To improve your chances of a smoother experience, consider requesting rides during less crowded hours — or using GoGoGrandparent to schedule your trip ahead of time.
If you or your loved one relies on Uber for seniors or Lyft for seniors, GoGoGrandparent helps coordinate and monitor those rides for you, confirming pickup details and offering live operator support if something changes.
For those needing transportation to medical visits, check out how to find rides to dialysis appointments.
Is there an Uber senior discount?
Uber occasionally runs limited-time promotions, but there’s no regular senior discount program. With GoGoGrandparent, you get dependable coordination and support 24/7 — without worrying about promo codes or smartphone apps.
The easiest way to reduce canceled rides
Canceled rides can be frustrating — especially when you have important places to be. Having dependable, professional transportation shouldn’t feel uncertain.
That’s why GoGoGrandparent exists — to help make Uber for seniors and Lyft for seniors more reliable and easier to use.
With GoGoRides, our team helps monitor rides, communicates with drivers, and assists if something doesn’t go as planned. You’ll always have real people ready to help before, during, and after your trip.
Our GoGoGuardians continuously review driver feedback, vehicles, and accessibility needs to support a smoother experience every time.
Register with GoGoGrandparent today to set up safe, comfortable rides — even if you don’t have a smartphone.
