In the past year, more than 60,000 Detroiters applied to drive for Lyft — the nation’s fastest growing ride-sharing program — either full- or part-time, but didn’t have a car that met the company’s age and quality standards. With the implementation of Lyft Drive Express, anyone wanting to drive for Lyft can rent a Chevrolet Cruze, Trax, Malibu, Impala, Equinox, and Terrain to get around and make extra money without owning a personal vehicle.
The program, which has recently launched in Detroit, is a continuation of General Motors Co.’s investment and support in Lyft, which began with a $500 million investment for a nine percent stake in the company earlier this year.
Stefan Cross, a communications manager for General Motors, says Detroit has capitalized on the Lyft Drive Express program more than any of the 12 other cities its available in, with 25 percent of Lyft drivers in the city currently using a car rented from GM through the program.
Standard rental rates apply, and Cross adds that the average Lyft Drive Express user is currently renting their vehicle for over 30 days.
While GM is in the business of selling cars, Cross says the company supports Lyft and ridesharing because it’s a “good supplement or replacement” to owning a vehicle and travelling in modern cities across the country. The rental fee is waived for Lyft Drive Express drivers who clock a minimum of 50 rides per week, a further indication of the company’s commitment to the success of Lyft and its drivers.
Lyft Drive Express is projected to be an indefinite program, with plans to expand vehicle options and continue service in other cities.
