There’s an App for That
Need a lift? Hungry? The solution is as close as your phone.
Story by Jennifer Grafiada Illustration by Claire Osborn
Maybe the future isn’t what it used to be. After all, the 21st century, once considered the ultimate futuristic milestone, stopped being the future two decades ago. A lot of predictions never panned out, as evidenced by the absence of flying cars — a onetime staple of futuristic forecasts.
Still, as we inhabit the year 2020, pervasive technology has left us few things we cannot obtain at the flip of a switch — or the touch of an app. During the last couple of years, some new, cool apps have become operative in the Umpqua Valley, making our lives even easier while providing a side hustle for those doing the legwork.
For drivers, the apps present a way to make some money while maintaining control over when, and how much, they work. Drivers of ride services get a percentage of their fares while delivery drivers work for an hourly wage, plus tips.
But it all starts with the app. Herewith, a few app-based services now available to residents of the Umpqua Valley:
Getting Around
Ridesharing has been around for a while in larger cities, but Uber and Lyft have only recently been available to local riders. They’re good options for anyone needing an affordable, friendly and clean ride around the area. Type in your destination and their apps let you know the fare in advance (minimum fare is $5), locate the nearest Uber or Lyft driver and sends him or her your way, along with photos of the car and driver so you can recognize them when they arrive. Longtime provider DC Sunshine Taxi & Courier can also be hailed by app now.
Shopping
For many people, actually going to the store for food or supplies is starting to seem so last century. Since last summer, Roseburg residents have been able to use the Instacart app to order groceries and other items delivered straight to their door from Safeway, Albertson’s, Fred Meyer, Costco and Petco. For a small fee, purchases are delivered the same day, usually within a couple hours. With an Instacart membership, delivery is free on orders of more than $35.
Takeout
People have long had pizza or other edibles delivered, but apps like Grubhub and DoorDash take it a step further. Local restaurants and food carts have hooked up to these services, which for a small fee will bring your hot-and-ready order straight to your front door. It works for the restaurants because they can offer delivery to customers without needing to purchase vehicles or hire drivers. And local denizens (at least those within a certain radius) can binge on a smorgasbord of options from the comfort of their own living room. Download the apps to check out which local restaurants are participating.
