So, it’s not yet 100 percent certain that Lyft will get this whopping deal. Previously, Ridesharing Forum brought to you the story that one of the world’s biggest ridesharing apps has been granted the opportunity to launch bike-sharing in beautiful Los Angeles via this large of a deal worth $198 million.
It isn’t a meager amount, so there were parties that tried to block this opportunity, citing Lyft cheating and other such allegations.
According to this site’s previous report, parties that would be affected by this deal are saying Lyft should not benefit from it. They mention the bid being “unfair,” “ridiculous,” and “still in the running.”
Bicycle Transit Systems also provided insights regarding this deal. In the previous reports on this website, they are aiming targets against Lyft. This time, it seems the tables are turning, saying Lyft is “illegally benefitting” from the deal. The concern, right?
This company, otherwise known as BTS, specializes in the operations and management of bike share systems, specifically in the United States. BTS is known for its expertise in the planning, implementation, and operation of bikeshare programs for cities – like LA – non-profits, institutions, and private companies.
In this week’s report by ridesharing media, BTS launched formal complaints against the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which initiated the deal. BTS is saying this move is “illegal” since Lyft won’t get the full benefits. Previously, BTS, according to the recent report, was trying to stop Lyft from taking over the program’s operations.
BTS is alleging there was a lack of transparency and “bias” in the bidding process that has been favoring Lyft. They are also alleging potential conflicts of interest within the party spearheading the deal with the ridesharing app.
They are calling on the agency to begin the bidding process again, disqualify Lyft, or award BTS a $202 million contract. This is where the confusion is.
“Lyft was in a position where it had access to non-public information about the [request for proposals] with the opportunity to exploit that information, and Alta’s status as a Metro contractor – for Lyft’s and Alta’s financial benefit,” BTS is stating.
There are other parties being mentioned, too, such as Alta. Let’s take a look at what these are.
Alta Planning + Design was founded in 1996 as an international consulting firm with a mission to create active communities where riding bicycles and walking are safe, healthy, fun, and part of normal daily activities.
It specializes in bicycle, trail, pedestrian, park, greenway, and roadway planning, design, engineering, and implementation, as well as outreach and education programs.
BTS is blaming Alta for the conflicting interests, which is causing the unfairness on Lyft’s part.
“When companies like Alta and Lyft can manipulate the development of a competitive procurement and simultaneously stand to benefit from the award of that contract, the integrity of the entire process is irreparably compromised,” BTS’ letter likewise stated.
So, what you know right now is that the deal is not in action yet and that there might still be processes before it gets launched. Sad, right?
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