The Turlock area has great restaurants, shops and nightlife, but many people complain about a lack of public transportation.
Did you know that the cashless ridesharing services Lyft and Uber both operate in Turlock?
“People assume it’s not here because they don’t hear about it, but all they have to do is download the app and request a driver,” Amanda Deigan said.
Deigan (senior, Liberal Studies) has been driving for both services since April, after she turned 21. Both Lyft and Uber require that their drivers be 21 and have had their license for a certain number of years. Applicants also go through background checks and car inspections before they’re allowed to drive for the service.
“It’s great for students because you can work as often as you want,” Deigan said.  “A lot of people here are on work-study, so their jobs end when the semester is over, but they can keep making money by driving for Uber and Lyft during breaks.” 
Both services are conducted through apps which can be downloaded to any smartphone – all you have to do is make an account and put in your credit card information. Deigan pointed out that the apps’ systems of cashless transactions are safer, for both riders and drivers, than carrying cash.
When you need a ride, simply open the app, choose your preferred pick-up location and request a driver. As soon as a driver accepts your request, you enter the address where you want to be dropped off. The app provides an estimated time of arrival. 
Both apps provide descriptions of their drivers for the safety of their customers. The driver’s name, picture and a picture and description of their car show up as soon as that driver accepts your request for a ride. They also have star ratings from past customers. 
Customers have five minutes after the driver accepts their request to cancel the ride without being charged a cancellation fee.
Deigan recommended driving for Lyft and Uber to students who are looking for a way to make a quick buck. 
“I haven’t had any issues,” she said. “I want to encourage more students to do it.”