As local governments are easing stay-at-home orders, Lyft is enhancing its commitment to the health and safety of both riders and drivers. Introducing the Lyft Health Safety Program, this initiative sets new standards for ridesharing in the current public health landscape. This comprehensive program includes updated policies, firm commitments, and new features designed to address the evolving needs of the Lyft community during this critical period.
The Lyft Car Program for health safety encompasses four key pillars:
- Personal health certification for both drivers and riders before each ride.
- Mandatory use of face masks or coverings for all drivers and riders throughout their Lyft experience.
- Comprehensive health safety education resources made available to both drivers and riders.
- Distribution of essential cleaning supplies and face masks to drivers, free of charge.
Personal Health Certification: A Shared Responsibility
Prior to requesting or giving a ride, every Lyft user, whether rider or driver, must complete a personal health certification. This crucial step requires individuals to confirm their commitment to several health guidelines. Users must certify that they will wear a face mask for the duration of the ride, are currently symptom-free, and pledge to adhere to all relevant COVID-19 guidelines issued by the CDC and local health authorities.
Specifically, through the health certification process, riders and drivers agree to the following:
- Wearing a face mask or face covering throughout the entire ride.
- Refraining from riding or driving with Lyft if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, believe they may have contracted the virus, or have tested positive.
- Maintaining vehicle cleanliness and practicing frequent hand sanitization.
- Ventilating the vehicle by leaving windows open when feasible and avoiding the use of recirculated air conditioning.
- Ensuring that passengers do not occupy the front passenger seat to maintain social distancing.
Individuals who do not agree to these terms of the personal health certification will not be permitted to request rides as riders or offer rides as drivers within the Lyft system.
Health Safety Education: Empowering Informed Decisions
Lyft is actively deploying new Health Safety Education initiatives for both riders and drivers. This educational content is meticulously crafted based on guidance from leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rideshare guidelines and Canadian health official requirements. The aim is to equip the Lyft community with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and others during every ride. Drivers can readily access this information within their Lyft driver application starting today, with corresponding educational resources for riders being rolled out imminently.
Angie Westbrock, VP of Global Operations and Head of Lyft’s COVID-19 Response Task Force, stated, “Guided by the CDC, Public Health Agency of Canada, WHO, and local officials, Lyft is proactively developing features and enacting policies under this Lyft Car Program to significantly enhance the safety of our riders and drivers. Furthermore, we are committed to empowering our community members to take personal responsibility in protecting their health and the health of those around them. We believe these new measures will create a substantial positive impact and establish a new benchmark for health and safety within the rideshare industry.”
Continuing Support Through COVID-19 Relief Efforts
The Health Safety Program is a significant extension of Lyft’s ongoing COVID-19 relief initiatives. To date, Lyft has committed nearly $2.5 million to procure essential supplies for drivers, including hundreds of thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer, face masks, and disinfectants, all provided at no cost to the drivers.
Lyft is also dedicated to creating new earning opportunities for drivers, especially those that address critical community needs during reduced ride request volumes. The recent launch of Essential Deliveries, a pilot program enabling organizations to request on-demand, contactless delivery of meals, groceries, and other necessities via Lyft drivers, is a prime example. Lyft has already committed over $1.5 million in ride credits to support vulnerable communities through LyftUp, its comprehensive initiative aimed at improving transportation access for those most in need. Additionally, Lyft has announced that drivers now have access to One Medical’s Essential Workers program, offering on-demand virtual healthcare and COVID-19 testing services.
