Lyft’s New App Features Real-Time Public Transit Info

Since it launched in 2012, Lyft has gone head-to-head with virtually every other form of urban transportation. Along with arch-competitor Uber, the ride-hailing service has nudged travelers out of taxis and rental cars, drawn pedestrians and cyclists into its backseats, and lured commuters off buses and trains. Competition with other modes has aided the immense growth of the ride-hailing market: In 2018, Lyft’s bookings surpassed $8 billion.

But according to president and co-founder John Zimmer, there’s only one mobility mode that Lyft truly wishes to defeat: the private automobile. Towards that goal, today the company launches a new version of its app aimed at helping commuters more easily give up their car keys. In certain North American cities, dockless scooters, shared bikes, car rentals, and public transit options will now appear next to vehicle rides on the Lyft platform. Time and cost comparisons will also show up on the menu.