lyft

Lyft, Inc. is an American transportation network company that operates a ride-hailing platform connecting riders with drivers through a mobile application. The company was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer in San Francisco, California, and has grown to be one of the largest ride-hailing providers in the United States and Canada, competing primarily with Uber.

Lyft's service offerings are delivered through its app and include options such as standard rides, shared rides, premium or luxury rides, and rides for larger groups. The platform typically uses a dynamic pricing model that factors in demand, distance, and time. Drivers are generally classified as independent contractors who use their own vehicles. In addition to car rides, Lyft has piloted micromobility services, such as bicycles and electric scooters, in selected markets as part of broader mobility efforts.

History and market presence: Lyft began operations in 2012 and expanded to numerous cities across North America. The company went public on March 29, 2019, listing on the Nasdaq under the ticker LYFT. Since then, it has pursued partnerships, technology investments, and international expansion efforts, while also facing ongoing questions about profitability, driver earnings, and regulatory developments affecting the gig economy.

Safety and regulation: Lyft has implemented in-app safety features, a rider and driver rating system, and insurance coverage for rides. It has engaged with regulators on issues such as rider safety, driver classification, data privacy, and benefits for gig workers, responding to evolving laws and public scrutiny.

Corporate structure: Lyft is a publicly traded company headquartered in San Francisco, with operations concentrated in North America (primarily the United States and Canada) and activities aimed at expanding mobility options for urban transportation.