Lyft News

DNC Convention comes to Chicago: Tips for getting around CHI like a pro

Aug 16, 2024

Getting Around Town

Thousands of visitors are flocking to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention this week. We anticipate increased traffic and demand for rideshare, so plan for longer-than-usual waits and give yourself plenty of time to hop from one event to the next. 

Top Tips for Catching a Ride

  • Chicago will be busy with events throughout the week. Use the designated pickup & drop-off locations to make moving around town easier.

  • Popular Locations Include:

    • United Center

    • McCormick Place

    • Navy Pier

    • Wrigley Field

Biking around town during the Convention

Divvy Bikes and Scooters can be rented directly in the Lyft app and will be available throughout the entire Convention. For updated operations information, please have a look at our blog post for further information.

After the Event Ends 

When you exit, use “United Center” for your pickup location and follow the in-app instructions to make your way back to the designated pickup zone. Due to the security perimeter around the event, pickup and dropoff locations will be a short walk away from Fiserv Forum. It’s recommended to contact your driver to confirm your location at the pickup zone.

The Morning After 

Remember that visitors coming in means visitors going out, and the airports may be more crowded than usual on Friday, 8/23. Give yourself some extra time to allow for traffic and increased security lines. It’s recommended to request your ride to the airport at least four hours prior to your flight’s departure time–or choose to schedule your Lyft ride up to 30 days in advance. 

Most Importantly…Safety!

The safety of the Lyft community is always our utmost priority. We want to make sure drivers and riders know the best ways to help protect themselves and others when using Lyft.

  • Confirm key ride details that identify your ride before you enter: the vehicle make and model, the driver’s name and photo, and the license plate. If the information doesn’t match up, do not get into the car. Go to a safe place and wait for the right car to arrive, or cancel the ride and report it to us. In an emergency or if you feel threatened, contact law enforcement immediately by dialing 911.

  • Remember that you can share your location and route with friends and family using our Share Location feature, so they can follow the ride in real time. 

Identifying Human Trafficking

In recent years, awareness about human trafficking has grown, and it's crucial for everyone, including rideshare riders and drivers, to be vigilant and informed. To access Lyft’s tutorial on identifying signs of human trafficking, please visit our Learning Center.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign also provides educational resources on identifying and reporting potential signs of human trafficking.

 Remember that reporting suspicions promptly can make a significant impact. To report, call or text the National Human Trafficking Hotline to report the tip. Call 1-888-373-7888; Text: 233733.

Lyft is committed to maintaining an inclusive platform. If you are experiencing accessibility issues while navigating the Convention, riders may report a problem directly in the Lyft app, via our website, or alternatively, you can call Lyft’s Accessibility Hotline at 1-844-554-1297. We worked with an accessibility specialist to ensure the links are accessible to all users.