From Medium.com ...
Aira Partners With Lyft to Make Traveling More Accessible for the Blind
and Low Vision
Brittany Carambio
Blue and white Aira logo and pink Lyft logo on a dark grey background.
Text: Creating an awesome ride sharing experience for the Blind and
Low Vision.
Continually expanding its services to blind and low-vision individuals,
Aira is excited to announce its partnership with Lyft, the fastest
growing rideshare company in the US, to offer all Aira Explorers
seamless access to Lyft’s ridesharing services. This integration
provides key capabilities that enhance the Lyft experience for Aira users.
Upon request, Aira agents can now initiate Lyft rides and convey
important information about the ride, including the location of
designated pick-up spots, estimated time of pick-up, and the estimated
fare. They can also share the driver’s name and vehicle information to
identify the ride, then track the ride, ensure the drop off location,
and finally, as needed, provide navigational information to users as
they walk the last 50 feet to their destination.
“Lyft is committed to be a model for the type of community we want our
world to be: diverse, inclusive, and safe,” says Suman Kanuganti, Aira
Founder and CEO. “Aira’s mission is to give people who are blind or low
vision the power of information. I am psyched about this partnership as
it’s designed to provide an end-to-end enhanced experience that makes
transportation more accessible to all blind and low vision people,
anytime and anywhere.”
Lyft is offering Aira explorers who are new to the service $5 off 2
rides when they sign up for Lyft using the promo code “AIRA”. Click here
to learn more.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Aira, an organization
that enables hundreds of millions of low vision people to lead better
futures,” stated Gyre Renwick, Vice President of Lyft Business.
“Together, we’re working towards our mission of improving people’s lives
with the world’s best transportation by introducing better
transportation solutions to those with vision loss — ultimately
enhancing mobility opportunities and helping create more accessible cities.”
Thumbnail: Agent Erin sits at a large computer screen with a pair of
headphones on.
About Aira
Aira is AI + AR for the blind. Aira combines the power of Artificial
Intelligence and Augmented Reality with wearable technologies, plus the
interaction of its network of trained remote human assistants, to
provide the 300 million blind and low vision people around the globe
immediate access to information and assistance. Aira’s technology not
only greatly enhances independence and mobility for those with vision
loss, but also forms the basis of its endeavor to create smart cities
that are accessible for all. Learn more at aira.io.
About Lyft
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve
people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest
growing rideshare company in the U.S. and is available to 95 percent of
the US population. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its
safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive
change for the future of our cities.
About Lyft BusinessLyft Business offers travel, commute, event, and
courtesy ride programs that provide customers with the tools they need
to reduce cost, save time, and streamline their transportation programs.
We partner with thousands of organizations to create unique solutions to
move their people, from employees and customers to patients and
students. To learn more about Lyft Business, visit:
https://www.lyft.com/business
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David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist WWW.David-Goldfield.Com
