Florida News Straight From the Source
Farm Share, one of Florida’s leading food nonprofits, today announced a partnership with transportation network Lyft to increase the distribution of food and supplies to food-insecure South Floridians during the coronavirus pandemic. [Read more…] about Lyft partners with Farm Share to provide in-need South Floridians without transportation access to food during the coronavirus pandemic
Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed into law new legislation enabling Lyft to provide transportation services to Medicaid beneficiaries in Florida. The law, HB 411, takes effect July 1 and will authorize transportation network companies, under state and federal Medicaid requirements, to provide nonemergency medical transportation services to Medicaid recipients. It also requires the state Agency for Health Care Administration to update its policies to reflect the authorization.
“I was honored to sponsor this legislation, which will bring much-needed relief to thousands of Floridians struggling with the high costs of transportation and health care,” said Senator Jeff Brandes. “Bold ideas are the key to providing affordable solutions to our health care challenges, and the transparency and convenience offered by ridesharing companies will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many Floridians.”
In the past, Medicaid patients had to rely on nonemergency medical transportation that didn’t always assure them a ride or on-demand scheduling. The introduction of ridesharing into the process will benefit millions of Americans by offering exactly what the patients need in transportation. The use of Lyft and similar services could also dramatically increase cost savings in the taxpayer-funded program. In fact, based on the findings of an American Journal of Public Health study published in March 2019, modernizing non-emergency medical transportation through rideshare could generate cost-savings of $537 million a year when scaled nationally.
“Floridians deserve access to affordable, convenient transportation services, which is why I sponsored this legislation that our state has now chosen to embrace,” said Representative Daniel Perez. “With rising costs for health care, we must do everything we can to find innovative, affordable solutions, especially for our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”
Lyft is already an enrolled Medicaid provider in Arizona, following all new state regulations for nonemergency medical transportation. Lyft’s VP of Healthcare, Megan Callahan, said the company sees a natural connection between Medicaid patients looking for affordable and convenient rides and states trying to save money on the cost of nonemergency medical transportation.
“As Lyft continues to grow in the healthcare market, we welcome the opportunity to serve all Medicaid beneficiaries,” said Callahan, “Senator Brandes and Representative Perez have led the way in making it possible for more Floridians to reach their healthcare providers affordably and conveniently, and we thank Governor DeSantis for signing this important legislation into law. In the end, the people of Florida will benefit from this forward-thinking reform.”
To learn more about Lyft’s role in patient transportation, visit lyftbusiness.com/industries/healthcare.
In response to Hurricane Michael, Lyft is committed to doing our part to help those in need.
Before the storm, we donated to a Relief Rides program and partnered with United Way’s 2-1-1 program to help those in need evacuate. Now, we’re helping those impacted by Hurricane Michael receive the local assistance they need.
Across Panama City, FL, Tallahassee, FL and Albany, GA, we’re providing free rides to help those recovering from Hurricane Michael move around. Whether it be to local hospitals, shelters or food banks, those impacted can use code MICHAELRELIEF for one free ride up to $15. Valid between now and Friday, Oct. 12 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
With safety as our number one priority, we continue to monitor the conditions and communicate with Lyft drivers, passengers and government officials. As always, we look forward to providing rides to those who need them.
Our hearts go out to those impacted by Hurricane Michael.
Today Lyft, the fastest growing rideshare company in the US, announced it will be expanding across the entire state of Florida on Saturday, July 1 at 12 PM.
Just in time for the Fourth of July Weekend, historically the deadliest alcohol-related weekend of the year, Lyft’s safe, affordable rides will be available to help Florida residents and visitors enjoy the holiday.
AAA anticipates a record setting 44.2 million Americans will travel for Independence Day weekend, with Florida topping their list of destinations. This means busier roadways, with more drivers who are unfamiliar with them. But with the advent of ridesharing services, research shows that Lyft has helped reduce DUI infractions in Miami by 87%, in Orlando and Jacksonville by 89%, and in Tampa by 92%.
“Lyft’s goal is to connect communities, and part of that mission means helping people arrive safely,” said Samuel Cohen, General Manager of Lyft Florida. “Blanketing the Sunshine State in Lyft service is an accomplishment we take a lot of pride in.”
Lyft is currently available at over a dozen airports across Florida and continues to work with airports across the state to ensure there is safe and affordable transportation for travelers.
Riders can also get $5 off their first four rides by visiting www.lyft.com/invite/lyftfl17 and entering the code LYFTFL17.
Since 2012, ridesharing has surged in popularity and across the country with both drivers and riders taking advantage of Lyft’s convenient rides and flexible economic opportunity. To date, Lyft drivers have earned more than $250 million in tips through the app.
ABOUT LYFT
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S and is available in more than 350 cities. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities.
Chelsea Harrison, Senior Policy Communications Manager for Lyft, issued the following statement after Governor Rick Scott signed HB 221:
“We thank Governor Scott for making a statewide framework for ridesharing a reality in Florida. This landmark legislation would have never happened without the Lyft community across the state who stood up for the benefits ridesharing brings to their families, businesses and cities. We look forward to seeing Lyft continue to grow and thrive for years to come in the Sunshine State.”
Chelsea Harrison, Senior Policy Communications Manager for Lyft, issued the following statement after approval of ridesharing legislation, SB 340, by the Florida Senate Rules Committee:
“We are grateful to the members of the Senate Rules Committee, and especially Senator Brandes, for advancing legislation to create a comprehensive statewide framework for ridesharing in Florida. This legislation will give Florida’s residents and visitors easy access to an affordable and reliable transportation option, ultimately providing the state with increased economic opportunity. We look forward to passage by the full Senate.”
Chelsea Harrison, Senior Policy Communications Manager for Lyft, issued the following statement after approval of ridesharing legislation, HB 221, by the Florida House of Representatives:
“Today the Florida House overwhelmingly recognized that Florida needs a single, comprehensive set of rules for ridesharing. Lyft is grateful to Speaker Corcoran and his leadership team for their work on this issue. This framework will ensure that Floridians continue to enjoy the convenient, affordable rides Lyft provides across the state. We look forward to working with the Florida Senate to advance this legislation to the Governor’s desk for his signature.”
Chelsea Harrison, Senior Policy Communications Manager for Lyft, issued the following statement after approval of ridesharing legislation, SB 340, by the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee:
“Lyft applauds Chairman Greg Steube and sponsor Senator Jeff Brandes for guiding SB 340 to approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee. This is important legislation that brings Florida one step closer to a consistent statewide framework for innovative services like Lyft. Floridians want access to ridesharing, and we look forward to providing the state’s residents and visitors with a safe, reliable transportation option for many years to come.”
Today Lyft, the fastest growing rideshare company in the US, is launching in Tallahassee, bringing its affordable, reliable rides to Florida’s capital city. To celebrate the arrival of Lyft, new passengers can use a special code LYFTLOVE17 to receive $5 off their first ride. Lyft is now available in just over 300 cities and continues to distinguish itself through its positive in-car experience, for both passengers and drivers.
“Tallahassee was proud to be one of the first cities in the state to approve favorable ridesharing laws, and we are excited that Lyft is now expanding into the Capital City,” said Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. “So many areas of Florida have benefitted from the opportunities that ridesharing represents, for both passengers and drivers. The arrival of Lyft in our community will mean more jobs, and more transportation options for everyone from college students to working professionals to retirees. On behalf of all the citizens of Tallahassee, I’m pleased to welcome Lyft into our community.”
Added Leon County Commissioner John Dailey: “With our community continuing to grow throughout Leon County, our residents should have a full range of transportation options to meet their needs. Ridesharing is a safe and reliable option, and we’re pleased to see it expand with the addition of Lyft in our community.”
More than 700,000 drivers make their own flexible schedules and earn either a primary or supplemental income with Lyft. As the only rideshare platform to allow tips, Lyft drivers across the country have received more than $150 million in tips. Interested drivers can view the “Drive with Lyft” page to learn more about becoming part of the Lyft community.
“The arrival of Lyft in Tallahassee is another dynamic step forward,” said Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Sue Dick. “Our community has long embraced the latest developments in business and technology, and this announcement shows that Tallahassee remains at the cutting edge for its residents and visitors.”
Jaime Raczka, Lyft’s Head of Early Stage Markets and Expansion, voiced the company’s enthusiasm for beginning service in Tallahassee. “We’re excited to bring Lyft’s affordable, reliable rides to Tallahassee. Whether you use Lyft while enjoying a night out in Midtown, coming home from a Seminole game, or rushing to a meeting downtown, we look forward to being a part of the Capital City community for years to come.”
How Lyft Works:
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S. and is available in just over 300 cities. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities.
