Lyft Announces New Ridesharing Guidelines

Ridesharing company Lyft released new guidelines last May for its drivers and passengers. The guidelines stipulate that both drivers and passengers must agree to wear masks for the entire ride and to inform Lyft if they exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, drivers are mandated to keep their vehicles clean, maximize air circulation in the car by rolling down windows, and sanitize as much as possible. Passengers are also prohibited from sitting in the front seat. Anyone who disobeys the guidelines will have their Lyft accounts suspended. Angie Westbrock, Lyft’s coronavirus task force head and Vice President of Global Operations, explained that the new guidelines were implemented to help give drivers and passengers peace of mind amid the coronavirus pandemic. She said that all members of the Lyft community must do their part to ensure everyone’s safety. According to Westbrock, the company is always trying to make improvements for both its passengers and drivers. The directive requiring drivers and passengers to wear masks was the first step that Lyft has taken to address the pandemic. To implement the new guidelines, Lyft set aside $2.5 million for drivers’ masks and hand sanitizers. These supplies were distributed to various places throughout the United States where Lyft drivers could pick them up. Apart from the sanitation supplies, Lyft is also offering free online healthcare and coronavirus screenings to drivers who do not have health insurance. The company is also providing financial assistance to drivers diagnosed with the coronavirus.