Lyft, Uber Launch Carpool Programs

Launched as a pilot program last month, Lyft for Work allows companies to pay for work-related transportation. According to Lyft’s blog, the program better connects customers through shared rides. So far, 24 companies have signed up as pilot partners for the program, including Adobe, Lovely, Postmates and Thumbtack.

Currently available in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Lyft Line provides ride sharing for employees going in a similar direction or to the same location for a discounted rate. Referred to as “shared rides along shared routes,” the Lyft mobile app platform connects customers with a ride already going the same way, according to Lyft’s blog.

According to the company, here are the steps to get started as a Lyft for Work partner (www.lyft.com/work):

• Companies can issue their employees a monthly credit balance, which can be used for rides to and from the office, an event location and to certain public transit stops.
• Companies can generate Lyft Line-exclusive credits to encourage employees to share their commute with other passengers.
• Companies can issue individual credit codes for recruiting candidates to get to and from an interview.

Uber has also launched its own version of ride sharing. Launched in Paris and San Francisco earlier this year, UberPool recently started operating in New York City.

With UberPool, users share a ride and split the cost with another person who is requesting a ride along a similar route, according to Uber’s website. When a match is found through the Uber mobile app platform, Uber notifies you of your co-rider’s first name.

And if Uber can’t find you an UberPool match, they will still provide a discount on your ride, according to the website.