Uber/Lyft shutdown in L.A. - alternatives?

August 18, 2020 7:29 PM

I don’t have a car and rely on Uber, and it looks like they’re shutting down this week in L.A. Does anyone have experience with RideYellow or other taxi apps? Or any other suggestions?

I used to use cabs but they were very unreliable and many times never showed up. The reviews on RideYellow sound like that’s still the case. Bus/subway is not really an option. Help?

posted by dianeF to Travel & Transportation (10 answers total)

How far are you going? I used to bike in LA (silverlake>downtown, etc) and it worked well.
posted by pinochiette at 7:36 PM on August 18, 2020

Response by poster: Just going down the street really, to pick up groceries. Don’t have a bike though.. It’s a little too far to walk and carry stuff back.
posted by dianeF at 8:29 PM on August 18, 2020

Maybe you could temporarily use Instacart or another grocery delivery service...I'm not sure how much more that might end up costing than Uber/Lyft.
posted by pinochiette at 9:20 PM on August 18, 2020

If it’s the carrying stuff that’s prohibitive and not the walk, maybe a folding granny cart would make that an option?
posted by impishoptimist at 11:25 PM on August 18, 2020

Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions..it’s just a little too far to walk, I mean. I can definitely try grocery delivery, but I need to pick up seizure meds that they can’t deliver..
posted by dianeF at 2:54 AM on August 19, 2020

Best answer: If I’m not mistaken this week means possibly next week (week starting Aug 23rd). Can your doctor fill a “lost” prescription or change the dosage (say 2, 5mg instead of a 10 mg) so you’re not hit by insurance and it looks like they’re trying to fiddle with your dosage. That gives you an early pick up option. Every doctor I’ve seen is sympathetic to this even if you’re taking highly scheduled medication.

In any case private drivers in LA exist. Look up black car companies, expect to pay a premium. I don’t know if it’s kosher but I’ve asked good Uber drivers for their number and if they don’t mind doing off the clock pickups. Saved me in a pinch before.
posted by geoff. at 4:27 AM on August 19, 2020 [2 favorites]

Almost no rideshare drivers have the proper insurance to do cash trips. Uber provides insurance only when the driver is on an Uber trip.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 7:01 AM on August 19, 2020

Best answer: I found this courier service for medications, it looks like they're ok with highly scheduled medication, and they serve the LA area. I'm sorry, I don't know how much this might cost. (Or, despite their name, how reliable they are!) If they exist, though, I wonder if you could pick from a number of courier services.

Does your pharmacy do any kind of deliveries? Or would they be able to recommend an intermediary who could deliver your medicaiton?
posted by kalimac at 9:48 AM on August 19, 2020 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks, guys. That medical courier is great to know about, though I called and they can’t deliver this medicine either. I have to pick it up in person. The private car service is also a great idea. Thanks again!
posted by dianeF at 5:40 PM on August 19, 2020 [1 favorite]

You might find some leads here: Uber and Lyft competitors ready to pounce if service is suspended in California. Looks like none of them are operating yet, but keep your eyes open if the shutdown happens.

Also Metro is piloting a microtransit service (i.e. shared minivans on demand if I understand correctly). Again, it's not operating yet, but they're hiring now to start in six pilot areas this year.
posted by caek at 2:16 PM on August 23, 2020 [2 favorites]