Since its entry to the bikeshare industry, Lyft has doubled down on its mission to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation by deepening partnerships with cities across the country. 

“We want people to navigate their city using whatever vehicle best works for them, all in one app,” said Caroline Samponaro, Head of Micromobility Policy at Lyft. Lyft added shared e-scooters to its user interface in 2018 and this year began integrating bikeshare systems directly into its app upon its acquisition of Motivate. Now residents and visitors alike can unlock a bike in the Citi Bike, Capital Bikeshare, or Bay Wheels systems with only a few taps in the Lyft app, no separate bikeshare membership required.  “We believe this seamless experience is equipping more customers to choose two wheels instead of four for short inner-city trips, making our communities a bit more livable one ride at a time.”    

Lyft is also investing substantially in the expansion of existing systems, particularly in Chicago and New York. The company will invest $50 million and work with CDOT to bring Divvy citywide. The Divvy expansion will include a hybrid docked and lock-to model, bringing an additional 10,500 bikes and 175 stations. In New York, Lyft is partnering with NYC DOT to double the service area for Citi Bike by 35 square miles and triple the number of bikes to 40,000 in a $100 million expansion.

As a part of their expansions, Lyft is also investing in equity work. In New York, Lyft launched a $300,000 Community Grant Program for local nonprofits to continue to build a culture of bikeshare in diverse neighborhoods. As a part of their partnership with the City of Chicago, Lyft will also provide a job training program for youth and ex-offenders, expand the Divvy for Everyone program for low-income customers, and pilot an adaptive bike sharing program for people with disabilities.

“As these systems grow, equity remains at the utmost of importance to Lyft and our city partners,”  Samponaro said. Lyft and the City of Chicago will present on Divvy’s expansion and equity programming during the opening plenary of NABSA’s 2019 Annual Conference, How We Move: Micromobility, Macro Impact. Lyft is also the presenting sponsor for this year’s event, the leading global venue for bikeshare, shared micromobility, and transportation leaders to tackle important issues facing the industry.