As the Greensburg area grows, evolves and revitalizes, the services available need to as well. The lack of available transportation options where there has not been many alternatives to driving your own car, meaning that those who couldn’t drive — because of disability, age, or the expense of owning a vehicle — were cut off from the benefits of travel is becoming an issue.
This is where ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft could be a benefit to the Greensburg community, and guess what, there are already drivers in our area offering rides.
“From my knowledge, there are 7 drivers that service the Greensburg area, most of them go ‘offline’ around 10pm,” said a Greensburg Uber driver. “Only myself and 2-3 (depending on the night) stay out till 2 or 3 am.”
Sometimes the struggle isn’t even with spreading awareness that Uber services our area; instead, it’s spreading awareness that Uber exists at all. With a population of 14,572 and a median age of 40.2 in Greensburg, the use of Uber and Lyft services to not only local businesses but to other areas like the airport could be a major win for the community. You can also schedule a ride up to 30 days in advance on the Uber app! Know you’re heading on a trip and need a ride to the airport or have a medical appointment, schedule a ride and have no worries about pulling up the app right before you leave to find a ride.
Many of the drivers in Greensburg are also a part of the Facebook page, Uber Greensburg, (make sure to give them a like) where they post upcoming events and let the community know that they here and available for a safe ride.
Different markets have different challenges that require new solutions. What works in really densely populated cities doesn’t work as well in a suburban setting like Greensburg. The problem is somewhat twofold, not enough people to utilize the services that are here. Then when people try to utilize them the drivers have already given up due to lack of riders.
“My friends and I have used Uber in Greensburg a few times,” said Ashley Reefer. “It’s extremely useful, though occasionally it’s been hard to find a driver, but hopefully once more people realize that Uber and Lyft are here, drivers will be available more often.”
Transportation has been a hot topic at the recent Reimagining Our Westmoreland, Westmoreland County’s Comprehensive Plan, focus groups and community meetings. With suggestions ranging from raising the awareness of ride share options in the county, to increasing the routes and lowering wait time for Westmoreland Transit services to even connecting bike paths to more communities.
Could something like partnering with local transit authorities, upcoming events, local businesses and Universities increase the use of these ride share services, therefor creating a solution to some of the transportation issues our area faces?
The Uber and Lyft experience is designed to be very simple and convenient, but with the attentiveness of tracking and customer feedback. With it already available in Greensburg, the word just needs to get out that it is a great option for a safe ride.
Use Code: e5zsrahjue (For up to $5 off your first ride. Must be a new Uber user.)
What is Uber and Lyft?
- Uber and Lyft are a convenient, inexpensive and taxi service. Hire a private driver to pick you up & take you to your destination with the tap of a button on any smartphone device. A nearby driver often arrives to pick you up within minutes.
How do I use it?
- To start using Uber download & install the app on your iPhone, Android or Windows phone.
- To start using Lyft download & install the app on your iPhone, Android or Windows phone.
- Launch the app and create your account to login.
- Once you are logged in the next step will be to set up your preferred payment method such as a valid credit card or by linking your PayPal account. Note: This allows for a cash-free environment. You’ll only be charged when you ride.
- Now you’re ready! Whenever you need a ride; Simply open up the Uber or Lyft app on your phone, ensure the pickup location is where you are now, select the car service you desire (from the bottom), tap “Set Pickup Location”, then confirm by tapping “Tap To Request”.
Other Transportation Options in Our Area
Go Westmoreland
Paratransit, often referred to as “Shared-Ride,” is operated during limited hours and specific travel areas. There is a required application and reservation process. There are different programs available depending upon a person’s qualifying background. Programs may require a different co-pay and service delivery guidelines. All riders must pre-register for paratransit service before requesting a trip. To pre-register, riders must complete an application to identify which program they will qualify for to assist with funding. Learn more about Go Westmoreland.
Westmoreland Transit
Services Westmoreland County and into Allegheny. See their schedules.
