Rideshare Rally FAQ

The National Federation of the Blind will be conducting our Rideshare Rally in San Francisco on October 15. This FAQ is designed to answer many logistical questions that may come up. The Rally will be conducted in two parts, the first taking place in front of Uber’s corporate headquarters, and the second taking place in front of Lyft’s corporate headquarters. 

Do I need to register for the Rideshare Rally?

Yes. While there is no fee associated registration, we would like to have an accurate list of all participants so we can reach out to those participating if there are any last-minute changes. To register, please visit https://nfb.org/form/rideshare-rally-form. 

What is the address of the Uber rally?

Uber Corporate Headquarters
1725 Third Street
San Francisco, California 

What is the address of the Lyft rally?

Lyft Corporate Headquarters
185 Berry Street
San Francisco, California

Do Uber and Lyft know that we plan to conduct the rally?

Yes. We have contacted both companies to let them know about the rally. 

What is the general schedule for that day?

9:45 a.m. – Participants arrive at Uber location
10:00 a.m. – Uber portion of rally begins
11:30 a.m. – Uber portion of rally ends, lunch break begins
12:30 p.m. – First bus loads up and takes passengers to Lyft location
1:00 p.m. – Second bus loads up and takes passengers to Lyft location
1:30 p.m. – Lyft portion of rally begins
3:00 p.m. – Lyft portion of rally ends
5:30 p.m. – Presidential Release live from the headquarters hotel ballroom

Is everyone invited to the Presidential Release Live that will occur that evening?

Yes. We have reserved a ballroom at the Crowne Plaza hotel (our headquarters hotel), and everyone who attends the rally is welcome to be there for the Presidential Release Live.

What is the recommended attire for the rally?

Recommended attire is business casual or professional with comfortable shoes. 

Is the Rideshare Rally rain or shine?

Yes. We will be conducting the Rideshare Rally in rain or shine. Please keep this in mind regarding appropriate attire and be prepared to bring rain gear if necessary.

    Will the National Federation of the Blind be providing signs?

    Yes. The National Federation of the Blind will be providing rally signs for attendees to carry during the event. 

    What is the plan for lunch?

    There will be a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and there are many options for food in the area of the Uber event. We recommend eating there before you move to the Lyft location, as there are fewer food options near Lyft.

    What is the general format for the rally?

    The rally will be a combination of speakers, chanting, and music. Participants will be carrying rally signs and will be moving up and down a public sidewalk. 

    What do I do if I need to take a break?

    Given the location and the time of year, we are expecting moderate temperatures, but participants should monitor themselves and their guide dogs and take appropriate breaks as needed. 

    Where can I relieve my guide dog?

    At the Uber rally site, if you walk north along the east side of Third Street, approximately two blocks north, past Warriors Way and Mission Bay Blvd. S., there is a grass lawn with mulch lines along Third Street. A trash can is available at the corner of Mission Bay Blvd. S. and Third Street. 

    Do you have rally tips for handlers?

    We want to make sure that teams are set up for success. Here are a few tips for you and your dog to have a successful experience in San Francisco. 

    • Safety First: Remember that safety is a priority. Please make sure that you are keeping yourself and your dog safe in whatever way works best for you. 
    • The rally will be an unusual event for our pups. They will be in an unfamiliar location, surrounded by other people and lots of other dogs, and feeling the excitement/nerves that we as their handlers will be feeling. It’s important for us to be sensitive to our dogs’ behaviors and adjust accordingly to keep them calm and focused. There are a few suggestions below.
      • Take extra time in the morning to play a game, give extra cuddles, or do something positive to get your dog in a good mindset for the day ahead. 
      • Do obedience before you head out for the day.
      • Prepare for different situations such as changes in weather and possible disruption to your dog’s feeding and parking schedules.
      • At the end of the day, you know your dog’s needs best. 
    • If you need to separate yourself completely from the event to safeguard the integrity of your dog’s work, know that you are totally welcome to do so. Rest assured that your presence, even if cut short, makes a huge difference.

    Please know that your participation in the rally is valuable, but so is your relationship with your dog.

    Will the National Federation of the Blind be providing water and bowls for my guide dog?

    We will have bottled water on site for emergencies, but participants should bring water and bowls for their dogs. 

    I don't have a collapsible bowl for my dog, do you have a recommendation?

    The National Association of Guide Dog Users shared the following affordable options for dog bowls:

    Will the media be there?

    Local media will be made aware of the rally, and we anticipate they will send a crew to document the event. 

    What if the media approaches me for an interview?

    You are welcome to speak with the media, especially regarding a rideshare denial that you have experienced. We also ask that you encourage the media to speak with one of our designated spokespeople who will be at the rally. 

    Is the Uber rally location accessible via mass transit? 

    Yes. There is a light rail station directly in front of the Chase Center (which is adjacent to the Uber rally site) on Third Street. 

    Are there food and drink options near the Uber rally location?

    Yes. The closest food and drink establishment is a Philz Coffee that is on the ground floor of Uber’s building and is accessible from the sidewalk along Third Street. There is also an Asian restaurant called Dumpling Time that is also on the ground floor of Uber’s building and is accessible from the Chase Center Plaza side (the north side of the building). There is also a Gott’s Roadside Café on the opposite side of the Chase Center Plaza. 

    Are there publicly available restrooms near the Uber rally location?

    Philz Coffee has a publicly available restroom.

    Is the Lyft rally location accessible via mass transit?

    Yes. There is a light rail station at 4th and King Street, which is approximately one block southwest of the Lyft rally site. 

    Are there food and drink options near the Lyft rally location?

    There is a Happy King Pizza on King Street, which is one block northwest of the Lyft location, and is accessible via a wide plaza directly across the street from the Lyft rally site.

    What is the name and address of the headquarters hotel?

    Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport
    1177 Airport Boulevard
    Burlingame, California 94010

    For those staying at the headquarters hotel, what time will the buses load and depart?

    The buses to get to the rally from the headquarters hotel will begin loading at 9:00 a.m. and will depart at approximately 9:15 a.m. To come back to the hotel in the afternoon, the buses will begin loading at 3:00 p.m. and leave the Lyft site at approximately 3:15 p.m.

    How can members and supporters who are not attending the rally tune in?

    Access live coverage of the National Federation of the Blind Rideshare Rally on Aira. Jenine Stanley, Aira’s Director of Customer Success and Engagement and a fellow guide dog user, will be attending the demonstration and providing the live coverage. All of Aira’s community events are available to everyone, paid or guest user of our app and service. Here’s how:
     
    Open the Aira Explorer app, iOS or Android, or use our web app, https://explorer.aira.io.  
    Tap on the “More” tab at the bottom right of the screen. 
    Navigate to “Events” and double tap.
     
    The “events” page lists our upcoming and past events. Tap on any of them to listen. To listen live during the event, follow the same procedure. You may be asked to open the Zoom app. The Rally will begin at 10:00 a.m. PST on October 15. The stream can also be accessed on Aira's YouTube channel.