• DDOT is working with Lyft on pilot program providing residents with better late night access
• Customers to receive $7 Lyft credit
• Pilot program will run weekdays on select 53 Woodward bus stops from 12AM – 5AM
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is partnering with the fastest growing on-demand transportation company in the US, Lyft, on a pilot program during late-night hours to provide more access to DDOT customers. The pilot program will offer a $7 Lyft credit to DDOT customers using select bus stops along the 53 Woodward route on weekdays, between the hours of 12AM – 5AM.
Over the past few years, DDOT has made significant service improvements, adding 6 express routes, (10) 24-hour routes and adding 100+ new buses to the fleet. In an effort to continue providing the best transit services to Detroit and get customers farther, faster, the City is now exploring new innovative opportunities for DDOT to integrate new mobility services and technologies. This pilot project is the first effort in this exploration.
“Advancements in mobility technologies and services are happening at a rapid pace.” said Angelica Jones, DDOT Interim Director. “We are excited at the opportunity to integrate a new service like Lyft with traditional services provided by DDOT.”
“Fixed route service is always going to be at the core of how we move our residents to jobs, school, and services,” said Mark de la Vergne, the Mayor’s Chief of Mobility Innovation. “This pilot project is our first step towards understanding how we can complement fixed route service with private providers to expand the mobility for Detroiters. We are eager to learn from this initial pilot how DDOT can integrate these types of innovation to make it as easy and affordable for residents to get around Detroit.”
“Lyft was founded with the mission to reduce personal car ownership while removing transportation barriers. We are excited to be partnering with DDOT to help expand residents’ access to employment and services by serving as a late night bridge between public transit and employment centers,” said Elliot Darvick, General Manager of Lyft Michigan & Ohio. “Access to transit is key to the future economic development of Detroit and the surrounding region. For these reasons, we’re incredibly excited to be a part of this innovative new program.”
This is the latest example of Lyft’s Transit team working with cities and transit agencies to develop community transportation programs aimed at decoupling mobility from auto ownership and improving access to public transit.
This pilot program kicks off May 8 and will be limited to 2,000 rides. After that point, the pilot will be evaluated to determine the program’s success. Customers wishing to participate in the pilot program must text ”W2W” to 313-456-9328 to receive a $7 Lyft credit. The credit will only be available on weekdays between 12A and 5A and the pick-up or drop-off location must be on Woodward Avenue between Grand Boulevard and Woodland Street and between McNichols Road and Eight Mile. Customers must use a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card with a balance greater than $25 to book the trip.
This partnership is the first of its kind in Detroit and provides an innovative approach to addressing the City’s growing transportation needs. Several other transit systems across the country have initiated similar concepts over the past year, many of which have partnered with Lyft. For additional information, please visit www.detroitmi.gov/w2w or call 313-933-1300.
About Lyft
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S. and is available to 95 percent of the US population as well as in Ontario, Canada. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities.
###
About Post Author
