Uber and Lyft Requiring Riders to Wear Masks

Last week on one of my runs, I was beat. I think I was 7 or 8 miles into a 10 mile run and it was in the high 80s. I was exhausted and just didn't want to finish off the last couple miles. I really pulled up my Lyft app to see if it was worth it to get a ride share home from where I was on the green belt.

But then I realized: I don't have my mask, and I'm not sure I'd feel okay getting into someone else's car without it. I looked up their rules, which vary state to state, and saw that masks were not at the time a requirement to wear in their ride-shares here in Idaho. But that's changing.

After Uber announced they were requiring passengers to wear masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Lyft is now asking the same. So sorry if you're out on a run that you don't want to finish but came unprepared.

Lifehacker reports that passengers have to agree not to ride in the front seat, and drivers also have to keep their windows open whenever possible. That part I love. I can't stand a stuffy ride share. And now when you're booking a ride, Lyft will ask you to confirm that you're wearing a mask, and that you're not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Drivers will have to do the same, and that they are keeping their vehicles and hands sanitized. Sounds mostly like clicking buttons agreeing to things, not necessarily being forced to actually do them.

Shared rides, which aren't currently an option here in Boise like they are/were in other cities, with strangers are also now now allowed, and that makes sense. I'm not hopping into an Uber with Brandon from down the road to get to a similar destination when I don't know what type of life he's living. You will still be able to share rides with people that get in with you at your pickup. If you don't agree to all of the new rules, you won't be able to get a Lyft.

Simple. Follow the rules and get a ride. Disregard them and walk home.