Tuesday 31 May 2016

NYC: 50% Summer Savings with Lyft

Get 50% off weekday rides in New York - because summer is always sweeter with extra spending money.

Kick off your summer plans with half off rides this week. Deal runs all day every day from Monday until 5 PM Friday. Lyft, Line, and Plus modes are all included.

















So whether you're off to sunrise yoga or sunset drinks, we'll get you there.

 

 

 

Promotion only valid for rides taken within the New York City coverage area. Promotion based on local time and valid until 5 PM on Friday, 6/03/2016, subject to change. Max 3 rides per user. Max $20 off per ride. Cannot be combined with other offers. Subject to Lyft's Terms of Service.

Monday 23 May 2016

Bloomington Prices







































Bloomington PricesEffective May 23, 2016 Original Lyft Lyft Plus
Base Fare $2.00 $2.85
Cost Per Minute $0.20 $0.30
Cost Per Mile $1.23 $1.80
Trust & Service Fee $1.55 $1.55
Minimum Fare $4.10 $6.00
Cancellation fee $5.00 $5.00

Friday 20 May 2016

Meet Milindha: A Memory from 10,000 Rides

After over two years and nearly 10,000 rides as a Lyft driver, San Francisco resident Milindha is a passenger favorite - and it's not hard to see why. He's got expert-level knowledge of the SF streets, a friendly face, and storytelling skills that make you wish your ride was longer. In celebration of hitting 10K this month, Milindha made hand-signed thank you cards to give to every one of his passengers. Talk about a five-star ride.

We drove around the block with Milindha and picked his brain on which ride - out of all the 10,000 - was the most memorable.

“This was during my first or second week as a driver. I picked up three girls and a guy. Their destination was a ways across town, so we were having a nice time talking about various things and joking. All of a sudden one girl suggested they sing, and have the guy harmonize. The other two girls agreed, but they couldn't decide which song to pick. This went on for a while - dilly-dallying and starting to sing songs and stopping - so I told the guy in the front seat 'this isn't going anywhere, you and I should just sing!' Then I heard the girls whispering in the back seat, and suddenly they said 'okay okay, we're going to sing!'

They started to sing, and I'm telling you, it was like angels singing. It was so beautiful. The guy chimed in with a harmony, and it was unbelievable. I loved it and wished I could've recorded it! I told them so. It brought back nostalgic memories and tears to my eyes as it reminded me of my days as a young boy in Sri Lanka, when my parents used to sing songs like “Edelweiss” and “Home on the Range” in the car on our way to school. Back in the 1970s, me and my five siblings would join in on the sing-a-long during the almost five-hour journey from the tea plantation to the capital city of Colombo, where our private school was located. Anyway, I told the passengers they should get together and sing professionally, and then and only then did they tell me they're all students at a music academy here in SF! They go to voice training lessons every day. I thought, no wonder they were whispering when I told them I'd just sing instead! I think they said 'okay, let's show this Lyft driver what we're capable of,' and off they went.

Apart from their great voices, they were such sweethearts and wonderful passengers. I loved it. It's these rides that have kept me going on the streets of San Francisco morning, noon, and night for two years and ten thousand rides. Just beautiful.”

Thanks, Milindha, for two years of five-star rides! Here's to many more.

 

For all things San Francisco, follow @lyft_SF on Twitter.

Locked Out: Lyft Saves the Day!

Have you ever had Lyft save the day? Whether it's a bad date, a noisy bar, or an awkward encounter, our drivers can be there right when you need it most.

This was particularly true for San Francisco resident Komal Ahmad, who called for a Lyft, when she realized she had locked herself in a friend's apartment. Luckily, driver Aaron Michael came to the rescue!

“I had no way to get out, and Aaron kindly parked the car and got into the building, up to the top floor, just to let me out. We both wrestled in trying to open the door, and he finally managed to,” says Komal.

“I often call my riders for extra communication to make the process easier. When I was on the phone, Komal explained that she was stuck in her friend's apartment and couldn't get out. To be honest, I didn't have much thought about helping her or not. The only thought I had was about my sloppy parking job, but I decided to leave it and go up to meet her there. I found her 4th floor apartment and I tried to open the door, and the knob fell off,” says Aaron.

After the pair tried just about everything, Komal suggested trying a key that she had for the door one last time.

“It worked! When the door opened, there was a happy, friendly, flustered and exhausted Komal. We hurried back to my car and resumed our journey forward,” says Aaron.

Do you have a great Lyft story? Share it with us at stories@lyft.com or tag @lyft or #YourLyftStories on Twitter and Instagram.

Read more stories here.

Wednesday 18 May 2016

Goodbye car, Hello LYFT!

Day 5 (Thursday): I snagged my Lyft Line this morning AND THERE WAS A MATCH! When I noticed my driver Thomas getting off a few exits early to pick up a second passenger, I got excited because I hadn't been in a matched Lyft Line ride before Atlanta!

…And then the excitement was short-lived because I looked at my watch and realized I was going to be a few minutes late to my meeting. Lesson learned for next time - leave the extra time if you take a Line, because you may end up needing it!

Classic rides (new/total): 1/1

Line rides: 3/9

$ spend: $20.83/$68.51

Day 6 (Friday): Today was a bit atypical – my mom is in town (Happy early Mother's Day, moms!), and the kids don't have school, so we did some shuffling of activities and I didn't end up taking a lot of rides as I was able to work from home.

Day 7-8 (Weekend): Mother's Day – mom in town, and we were shuttling about in one car. Didn't end up taking a Lyft while she was here, but we were cozy sitting 3 adults and 2 kids in the Volvo wagon heading to the pool and Church!

Day 9 (Monday): I said goodbye to my mom this morning and put her in a Lyft (ladies first!) to the airport. Later that morning, I was cracking up when she called me to sing effusive praise of her driver, Christian, who was from Nigeria – she said they talked current events and politics, and had a wonderful time. Christian, if you're reading: thank you for your courtesy, conversation, and patience (!) getting my mom to her flight.

When I was (of course) running late to get to the office, I realized I couldn't afford to “risk” getting matched on a Line ride, so I opted for a classic Lyft instead – I guess I didn't really appreciate the tradeoff of price and time by selecting Line instead of Classic until I got matched last week. That won't happen again – if time is of the essence, go with Classic.

Classic rides (new/total): 2/3

Line rides: 0/9

$ spend: $20.50/$89.01

Day 10 (Tuesday): My AM driver Phil had just taken a job with Coca-Cola in sales, so we talked about the company and the importance of field sales roles. He'll be moving to SC – big baseball fan – in a few weeks. Once he starts his new job, he's going to step away from driving, at least until he sees if he has the extra time. So cool that two of the drivers already this month are pursuing exciting endeavors!

Taking stock after 10 days, here's a quick synopsis of key lessons so far:

1)    Keep the phone charged! I may still invest in an extra battery pack as a backstop.

2)    Check ETAs at least 15 minutes before needing to be picked up; usually only 5-7 minutes are required, but be safe

3)    Line is a great option to save some money – but leave extra time in case you get matched! If you're in a rush, don't get cute – stick to classic ;)

Classic rides (new/total): 2/5

Line rides: 0/9

$ spend: $17.50/$106.51

Tuesday 17 May 2016

Uber Taxi: How to Get Started

Uber Taxi has taken off as the primary source of transportation for many people across the United States.


Waiting for a traditional taxi that might never arrive when you really need to be somewhere can be incredibly frustrating.


It only makes sense a service like Uber has come into the marketplace to satisfy people who are frustrated by conventional cab companies.


Uber isn't a cab company.  In fact, Uber is in a heated battle with NYC Taxi companies.


Take a peek at our write-up about Uber vs Taxi companies for a more in-depth look.


It is actually a ride sharing service that enables ordinary people to make extra money while helping out their neighbors.


The service is easy to use and typically costs less than a regular taxi cab.


The only thing a rider needs is a smartphone and the Uber Taxi app.


Get a Ride with Uber Taxi


The first step is to install the simple app.


The Uber Cabs app is free and very easy to use.


uber-taxi-cab


After installing the app, it's essential to input a promo code in order to get the first ride free.


The company publishes these promo codes but riders can also obtain a code from existing customers.


When using a code from an existing customer, that person will also receive a free ride in exchange for the referral to the Uber Taxi Service.


These codes only work for the first ride.


After that, riders will need to use either a credit card or a Paypal account to pay for their rides.


Rides are arranged through the mobile app.


As a rider, simply choose the current location and input a destination.


By clicking a button, you can get an estimate of the fare.


A slider gives passengers the option of choosing between four car sizes.


Fares increase for each option.


UberX is a standard-sized car.


Four passengers may ride in this type of vehicle.


Uber XL is an SUV.


Up to six people may ride in this vehicle.


UberSELECT is a luxury car that typically seats four passengers.


UberBLACK cars are ultra-luxury.


Riders can expect a well-mannered, professional driver.


Another button orders the ride.


After asking for the ride, a driver will accept the job and be on their way within a few minutes.


Once a driver elects to pick the rider up, the rider will get their photo, a description of their vehicle, and license plate number.


Riders can track their driver's location on a map through the Uber Taxi app.


Make the Most of a Ride in an Uber Taxi


It's important to be ready when your car arrives.


Riders can expect the car to be clean when it arrives, and they should ensure they don't make a mess in their Uber.


Drivers have a right to keep their car in good condition, and they could bill a rider if they make a mess.


The driver receives the passenger's destination information through the app and their GPS gives them a suggested route.


If you want the driver to take a different route, just ask.


People who drive Uber Taxis are very accommodating and will generally take any reasonable route for their passengers.


Many people use Uber to get picked up or dropped off at the airport.


Drivers and passengers can rate each other after the ride, so it's important to be courteous to maintain a high rating and continue to receive prompt and courteous service.


The post Uber Taxi: How to Get Started appeared first on Rydely.com.

Monday 16 May 2016

An Old School Thank You

We love hearing stories about Lyft drivers returning lost items found in their cars, because it is a great example of the mutual kindness and respect in our community. To show his appreciation for having his hat returned, one passenger gave his driver, Paul, a handwritten thank you note.

















We caught up with Paul this week to get all the deets:

1. When did you start driving with Lyft?

I have been a Lyft driver since 8:34 PM on February 26th, 2016 (I still have the "You're approved, go drive!" text). I started driving as a way to fill my weekends with something productive that I can choose to do when I wish. Before that I was going through a breakup; I was in no mood to date or go out, so I thought I might as well make money and have fun doing it!

2. When did you share a ride with Prana? Where was he heading?

When I picked up Prana, he was about my 4th or so pickup of the morning. He was off to do a presentation for his work. Like plenty of passengers I pick up in the morning, he was running behind, and I could tell he was a bit flustered. I was trying hard to get him there in time for his 8:30 AM presentation.

3. What did you two chat about?

We talked about his job a bit, and since we are both college students in different business disciplines, we talked about that as well. He seemed impressed that I have two jobs and I find time to study as well.

4. When did you realize that Prana left his hat?

At first I didn't even notice the Bronco's hat in the back of my car. After I dropped off the rider after Prana, Lyft alerted me that he may have left his hat in my car. I instantly turned off driver mode, and texted him that I found it and could drive back in about 10-15 minutes.

5. When did you get the thank you note?

I gave him his hat, and he handed me the thank you card right then and there. Reading it brought a smile to my face. To take the time to handwrite the letter instead of submitting a comment anonymously through the app? I can feel the love. The card to this day still has real estate on my fridge.

Friday 13 May 2016

Stay Safe & Ride On: Lyft LA x CicLAvia

Lyft and CicLAvia share a common mission to make cities greener and bring communities together. CicLAvia consistently brings tens of thousands of Angelenos to neighborhoods around the Greater Los Angeles area, where they can freely walk, run, cycle or skate throughout open, carless streets. We at Lyft love this! So, we've put our hand up to join forces with CicLAvia, in an effort to help participants get safely to and from each event throughout the year.

This Sunday, for the first time ever, the event will take place across 6 southeast LA communities: Huntington Park, Walnut Park, South Gate, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood and Watts. Check out the map below for route details:

















New to CicLAvia? Here are some helpful details for this Sunday:

  • CicLAvia is FREE

  • CicLAvia lasts from 9AM to 4PM
  • CicLAvia closes streets to car traffic and opens them for people to walk, skate, bike, play, skip, dance and explore parts of Los Angeles
  • CicLAvia is not a race! There's no starting point - start where you want and enjoy the day your way
  • CicLAvia traffic flows in two directs, just like regular traffic

Look out for Lyft credit freebies

We've armed some of the fine folks from CicLAvia with Lyft credits to be handed out throughout every CicLAvia event, as well as via their social media channels (@CicLAvia). Keep your head up while riding and you could find yourself with some gratis moolah in your Lyft account.

Have some fun with our street team

This Sunday, look out for our awesome street teamers wearing Lyft shirts. They'll be treating passerby to some fun Lyft swag, so make sure you say hello!

















Pro Tip: take a Lyft to the Metro station

There are various Metro stations you can head to this Sunday to join in CicLAvia. Do yourself a favor and save your feet for the fun. Catch a Lyft to the closest Metro station, and save your pennies for the food trucks!

Up to $20 off for new users

New to Lyft, or know someone who is? Use the code below for up $20 off your first ride. Just enter the code in the 'Payment' section of the Lyft app before you request your ride.

Promo Code: CICLAVIA

Or, click HERE to redeem.

Use hashtag #Lyft to post your best snaps and stories from CicLAvia. See you this Sunday, and remember to ring your bell!

Monday 9 May 2016

Friends at First Sight: A #LyftLove Story

Have you ever felt like your Lyft driver was your long lost soulmate/best friend/twin? That's how Los Angeles resident Megan Duffy and her friend felt when they hitched a ride with Lyft driver Valerie on the way to a Dodger's game.

















Read what happened in Megan's own words:

“My friend had a set of four tickets to the Dodgers game last week and invited me along. They were great seats, first row behind home plate. Another friend had to cancel last minute, so we ended up with an extra ticket.
The minute that Valerie picked us up, we knew we liked her. She had the same taste in movies and has a great sense of humor. She also revealed that she was a Dodgers fan and that she and her boyfriend had contemplated going to the game the night before, but had decided to both drive for Lyft that night instead.
That's when my friend said, 'Well, we have an extra ticket. Do you wanna come with us?'
I think at first she thought we were kidding but soon we were rallying for her to join us. Finally, she said okay!
We loved just chatting with her and getting to know her. We learned where she grew up, what her aspirations are, and why Lyft was making it possible for her to pursue her career in acting while still earning a living. The only disappointment was that the dance cam didn't catch us!  
And of course, we requested her as our Lyft home. We now all follow each other on Instagram and she and I messaged just a couple of days ago.”
 
















Do you have a great Lyft story? Share it with us at stories@lyft.com or tag @lyft.

Read more stories here.

 

Sunday 8 May 2016

Important Update from Lyft Austin

Unfortunately, the rules passed by City Council don't allow true ridesharing to operate. Instead, they make it harder for part-time drivers, the heart of Lyft's peer-to-peer model, to get on the road and harder for passengers to get a ride. Because of this, we have to take a stand for a long-term path forward that lets ridesharing continue to grow across the country, and will pause operations in Austin on Monday, May 9th.

We want to thank the incredible Lyft Austin community for all they've done to keep ridesharing in their city. Thanks to each and every one of you, we took drunk drivers off the road, made it easier for residents and visitors to get around, and provided a flexible way to make ends meet. But we're not giving up. We will continue fighting for people in Austin to have modern options like Lyft.

We're very disappointed to leave the Lyft Austin community - and we hope to come back soon. If you'd like to help make Austin rideshare-friendly again, reach out to your City Council member and tell them.  

Saturday 7 May 2016

Lyft Chicago x Komen Race for the Cure

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series is a global series of runs and fitness walks to raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease.

Since its founding in 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure series has grown from one local race to more than 140 races across the globe, with more than 1 million people participating in 2016. This and other initiatives provide more than $800 million in funding for breast cancer research and help to those suffering from the disease.

Lyft is proud to partner with Komen Race for the Cure in Chicago to help support the continued research, patient and family support. Learn how to fundraise here.