Lyft News

Expanding our Health Safety Program

Nov 24, 2020

This year has been full of unexpected changes, and has pushed us all to adapt in ways that we never thought possible. Most of us can now consider ourselves pros at smiling big with just our eyes, bumping elbows instead of shaking hands, and loading our own luggage before a ride.

We’re here to make it easy for every member of our community to protect every member of their community — in the ride, and everywhere else they’re headed. Taking the right precautions can go a long way toward protecting riders and drivers, as well as their 90-year-old grandmothers, aspiring dancer sisters, and favorite baristas. Because when we’re in a Lyft ride, we’re in it together.

That’s exactly why we’re doubling down on our Health Safety Program, which includes health and safety recommendations for rideshare, based on guidance from the CDC and local officials.

Mask up so we can all move forward

We've added new safety features and policies that make it easier for riders and drivers to protect each other:

  • New! Mask recognition: If we receive feedback that a rider or driver is not wearing a face covering, they'll need to take a selfie with their face covering before they can use Lyft again.

  • New! Account suspensions: Riders and drivers who repeatedly violate their Health Safety Commitment will be suspended.

  • Cancel with peace of mind: Riders and drivers can cancel a ride without a fee if they have health safety concerns, like someone not wearing a face covering.

product screen of the mask detection feature on the Lyft app

The right information is powerful protection. So is the right PPE.

Our drivers told us that they want more expert guidance and COVID-19 supplies, so we partnered with industry experts like the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and P&G Professional to help them disinfect to protect on the road:

  • Keeping cars sanitized: Every driver has access to our clean ride guide, with step-by-step instructions on how to effectively clean and disinfect their car, so that everyone can enjoy a clean space. Plus, drivers in select cities can visit a local Driver Center for a free professional car sanitization.

  • Access to face coverings and cleaning supplies in the Driver app: Drivers can purchase supplies — including face coverings, partitions, and cleaning supplies like Microban 24, which has been proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 by the EPA — at wholesale prices right from their app. 

  • Health safety education for the whole community: Rideshare looks a little different today. That’s why we’re continuing to educate our community about what’s expected, with tutorials for both  riders and drivers.

product screen of the COVID Center Hub on the Lyft App

Showing up with our community

Our goal, rooted in our Community Guidelines, is for every Lyft ride to be safe and comfortable from start to finish – and we can all do our part to help make that happen. Thanks for showing up and taking care.