Both Uber and Lyft are continuing to offer transport services, but both are implementing practices they say are designed to keep both riders and drivers safe.

For Uber, effective Monday, March 18, their mandates include that no passengers will sit in the front seat, and that all passengers will wear a mask that covers from the bridge of their nose to their chin.   Drivers will not be able to go online until they send a photo verifying they are wearing a mask.  Before every trip, riders must confirm that they’ve taken precautions like wearing a face cover and washing or sanitizing their hands. They must also agree to sit in the back seat and open windows for ventilation.

Uber also gives both passengers and drivers the option to cancel a trip, without penalty, if the driver/passenger is  not wearing a mask.  It expects drivers to wipe surfaces down and keep vehicles sanitized.

Lyft asks that passengers wear a cloth face covering; respect the driver’s cleaning supplies, distance, and other safety precautions; wash hands frequently; keep the car windows open; and sit in the back seat.  Lyft is also pausing their “shared ride” option.  Lyft also gives drivers and riders the option to cancel a trip for health or safety reasons.

Even Hawaii County buses have similar safety precautions in that both riders and drivers must wear masks, and drivers are wiping down high touch points.