New rideshare rules in 'A New California'
LOS ANGELES - COVID-19 is changing the way we rideshare.
As of Monday, Uber instituted new guidelines for drivers and riders beginning with both must wear a face covering.“This by no means means that we are encouraging people to go out of their homes, but when they do, we want to be ready for them with the next level of safety,” says Sachin Kansal, Uber’s Senior Director of Product Management.
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Kansal says Uber has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization to tweak its rules and regulations given the COVID-19 crisis. The company also announced a partnership with Clorox to keep its vehicles clean.
Another new feature that was unveiled at the company's virtual product event last week: a COVID-19 information hub now available on the Uber app.
Uber pool has been suspended.
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Uber X is limited to no more than three people who must sit in the back seat.
Windows should be open, even just a little, to allow for better ventilation.
Kansal says the expectation is drivers and riders won't drive or ride while sick and they'll always wear a face covering.
Drivers must verify they’re wearing a face-covering through the app.
Riders could be kicked off the app platform if they're not.
Lyft also announced a health safety program that requires drivers and riders to wear a face covering.
Before using Lyft, every rider and driver will be required to self-certify that they will wear face masks throughout the ride, are symptom-free, and will follow CDC and local health official guidelines related to COVID-19.
The CEO of LA Yellow Cab tells FOX 11 his drivers are outfitted with the proper personal protective equipment and the vehicles are disinfected after each ride.
Uber and LA Yellow Cab officials say adding a plexiglass partition in the vehicle is optional.