Riders in Austin, Texas can now select an autonomous vehicle (AV) in the Lyft app to help them get around their city. This marks the first time that a commercial autonomous service is available in Austin, Texas and marks the third city where Lyft riders can hail an autonomous ride along with Miami, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. 

What does the service look like?

Most people's first AV experience will be on a ride hailing network like Lyft. For riders in Austin, this new ride mode looks just like any other Lyft ride. Riders can hail an AV (a Ford self-driving car powered by Argo AI technology) directly in the Lyft app for the same price as a normal Lyft ride. Riders will be able to easily control their ride without the assistance of a driver. When their vehicle arrives, the rider can unlock the doors, start their ride, and even contact customer support all from within the Lyft app. At this time, a rider will also be accompanied by two safety operators, as we prepare for a fully autonomous future.

Lyft is expanding its position beyond rideshare with a full-scale suite of transportation options that includes autonomous vehicles. With the launch today, we are the only company to operate a commercial AV rideshare service in three North American cities and are looking forward to bringing more AV rides to a city [near you] soon. 

Forward-Looking Statements 

Certain statements contained in this announcement are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws, including statements about autonomous vehicles and autonomous vehicle technology operating on the Lyft platform, the rider experience in such vehicles, and Lyft’s autonomous vehicle partnerships, plans and strategies (and plans and strategies of Lyft’s partners, including Ford and Argo). Such statements, which are not of historical fact, involve estimates, assumptions, judgments and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors are detailed in Lyft’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lyft does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events, except as required by applicable law.