Lyft opened its big heart to the victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfire by offering free rides. This news and more are in this round-up.
Free Lyft rides
Since January 7th, residents in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and the surrounding regions have been devastated by the series of wildfires that have already claimed the lives of over 25 people.
As of January 15th, there are still five fires active, including the two biggest fires. Out of the 30 fires, though, 25 have already been controlled.
However, aside from the casualties, the wildfires have also produced over 22 non-fatal injuries, over 24 missing people, and almost 13,000 structures destroyed, spanning a whopping 16,400 hectares of land, about the size of Barcelona, Spain.
Considering this damage, there is a grave need for Los Angeles residents to find a safer way to move around when they need to attend to their family or friends, purchase basic necessities, and go to work.
Thanks to Lyft, free rides are being offered for the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. Here’s how it works.
Evacuated individuals who need a ride to the evacuation center can redeem the code CAFIRERELIEF25 to get a free Lyft ride worth up to $25. However, each individual can use this code for a maximum of two rides only.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the wildfires in California,” stated Lyft Social Impact Manager Celia Moreno. “At Lyft, safety is our top priority. We’re closely monitoring the evolving conditions and staying in touch with our drivers, riders, and local officials. Lyft is committed to providing access to reliable transportation, especially in emergencies to support communities in need.”
Aside from Lyft, Uber has also joined this generosity bandwagon. Residents can get free Uber rides to the following shelter locations: the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Westwood Recreation Center, El Camino Real Charter High School, and the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center.
Delta Air Lines bids goodbye to Lyft
Delta Air Lines has an ongoing partnership with Lyft, called the Ride Rewarded program, which allows members to earn miles whenever they choose Lyft for their ride, until recently. They were earning a mile per dollar spent on rides across the United States and two miles per dollar spent on all rides involving airports in the country until the airline cut the partnership and instead moved to with Uber
The airline announced last January 7th that it will link its in-demand SkyMiles loyalty program with Uber starting this spring, marking the end of its eight-year partnership with Lyft. They have expressed their gratitude for Lyft, though, of course.
“We are appreciative of the partnership we’ve had with Lyft benefiting loyal customers who have collectively earned billions of miles,” a spokesperson for Delta Airlines said.
The airline did not comment on why they made this big switch. How about you? What do you think? Did Delta Airlines make the right decision to choose Uber instead of its long-time partner, Lyft?