Despite Lyft’s well-intentioned efforts to increase carpooling with Lyft Line, the service has not quite taken off — particularly due to convenience factors. Rival service Uber also offers an “Uber Pool” option for carpooling, though according to a survey from The Rideshare Guy, 56.5% of surveyed drivers are dissatisfied with the pooling experience. By expanding its pre-tax commuter benefits to 18 cities, Lyft is increasing rider incentive for choosing a carpooling option over a traditional one-passenger Lyft ride, though its success in these cities remains to be seen.
It will be up to employers to push these benefits and work with cities to discourage the use of personal vehicles. Many employees are already working to make commuting more efficient, and Best Workplaces for Commuters has identified 200 companies that “offer discounted transit passes and other incentives, including remote work opportunities, bicycle racks for cyclists and emergency rides home,” according to HR Dive.
