Lyft has revealed a new feature, which will allow users to designate favorite drivers and ride with them when possible.
Why It Matters
Earlier this week, Lyft’s main competitor Uber also said it was launching a new feature in select U.S. cities, which allows women riders and drivers to opt to be matched with women.
In 2021, Lyft revealed through its community safety report that it had received over 4,000 reports of sexual assaults during their trips from 2017 to 2019. The report did not specify whether this concerned riders or drivers. Back in 2023, Lyft introduced a feature called Women+ Connect which gave women and nonbinary drivers the ability to match with more women as well as nonbinary riders.
How Does Lyft’s New Feature Work?
The feature will allow users to “favorite” drivers after they ride with them, according to a press release issued by Lyft.
Then, for future schedule rides, Lyft will “prioritize connecting” users with their favorites where it is possible.
What To Know
Lyft said in a press release that the feature is about giving users control over their rides and building relationships with drivers.
It’s also about rewarding drivers, Lyft said. Drivers added to a favorite list will be notified and can unlock priority access.
“When drivers know they’re appreciated, it creates a positive cycle. They’re motivated to continue providing exceptional service, and you get consistently great rides with people you trust,” Lyft said in the press release.
Lyft first launched in 2012 and is the second-largest ride-hailing provider in the world, operating in the U.S. and Canada solely, and holding a market share of 8 percent as of 2022, according to Statista.
Uber‘s pilot program, called “Women Preferences,” will be trialed in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit over the next few weeks.
The feature from Uber will allow women to select female drivers when requesting a trip or reserving in advance. Women will also be able to set their driver preference in the app settings; while not guaranteed, this increases the likelihood of a female driver match. Female drivers will also be able to opt to only accept ride requests from women riders.
What People Are Saying
Lyft, in a press release: “We believe every ride should feel personal, safe, and connected. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce a new feature letting you “favorite” your driver, which adds more personalization to your Lyft experience while celebrating the drivers who go above and beyond to make your journey special.”
What’s Next
The feature will be rolling out in select locations in the coming weeks, beginning in select regions and then having a wide launch in the U.S. and Canada by the end of August.
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