BATON ROUGE (press release) — Lyft, a transportation network company, will launch across Louisiana on July 4, the company announced today. Louisiana will now welcome comprehensive ridesharing across all 64 parishes, allowing companies like Lyft to operate regardless of location or proximity to major metropolitan areas.
“This is a great day for individuals across the state of Louisiana — for drivers and passengers — as they can now experience the multiple benefits of ridesharing,” said Eli Ackerman, Market Manager for Lyft Louisiana. “In every community in which ridesharing operates, it improves road safety, boosts local economies and provides a flexible earning opportunity to local residents. We thank the thousands of Louisiana residents who fought to bring these benefits to their neighborhoods and cities, and we look forward to becoming all of Louisiana’s ridesharing platform of choice.”
Previously, ridesharing companies were allowed to operate only in select cities in Louisiana. Suburban and rural areas will now have access to innovative transportation methods, and more residents will have the opportunity to earn additional income through driving for Lyft.
According to Lyft’s Economic Impact Report, Lyft drivers have earned more than $10 billion since inception and over $1 billion in tips, and Lyft passengers have added more than $3 billion in spending to local economies. In Louisiana specifically, the study shows that:
- 76 percent of passengers are less likely to drive substance impaired due to the availability of Lyft
- 39 percent of rides start or end in low income areas
- 25 percent of passengers have used Lyft to get to healthcare services
Lyft is committed to the care and respect of its drivers and was the first ridesharing platform to allow tips. For those interested in learning more about a flexible earning opportunity by becoming a Lyft driver, visit the “Drive with Lyft” page.
