Phoenix can’t place a bus stop in every backyard, but with the help of popular ride-sharing app Lyft, the city aims to make it seem that way.
A new program dubbed “First Mile Last Mile” will allow riders in some Phoenix areas to use Lyft at a reduced rate for rides between their homes and one of more than 500 city bus stops.
The partnership, launched Wednesday, encourages residents who live in the northern- and southern-most portions of the city — where transit opportunities are limited — to take Lyft to the nearest bus stop, where they access the city’s expansive central transit grid.
Lyft is giving these riders a 20 percent discount on up to 10 rides to and from the bus stops during the six-month pilot program.
“By working together, Lyft can bring the Phoenix public transit department services within reach to more people and provide an enticing alternative to getting to downtown Phoenix or other parts of town without a car,” Lyft regional general manager Drena Kusari said at a press conference.
The pilot program only encompasses portions of the city north of Union Hills Drive or south of Buckeye Road. There are more than 500 bus stops residents can connect to within those areas.
Kusari and city officials indicated the partnership could expand in the future.
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