The University of Alabama and ride-sharing company Lyft on Monday began a partnership to provide transportation around campus.
According to a news release, UA students, faculty and staff can use Lyft's app to request a ride with a 15 percent discount within a 2-mile radius of the campus bus hub. Eligible UA recipients will receive an email with details on how to obtain the discount.
In addition to the 15 percent discount, which can be accessed any time of day, Lyft and UA will offer an additional 10 percent discount from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for a total 25 percent discount.
UA’s contract with Lyft was initiated by the Student Government Association in an effort to provide the university community with a convenient mode of transportation while traveling outside of the university’s Crimson Ride and 348-RIDE service areas.
“We’ve had the whole team of UA leaders getting involved," Price McGiffert, president of the UA Student Government Association, said in the news release. "Our partnership with Lyft is going to make a big difference with our students and create another easy way to access transportation.”
Chris D’Esposito, UA’s director of Transportation Services, said Lyft will provide "another tool in that toolbox" to provide UA students with transportation options.
“It’s a seamless way for our students to access the downtown and surrounding communities while complementing our existing transportation options,” D’Esposito said.
Jake Darby, general manager for Lyft, said the ride-sharing company will fill a need "whether students need a ride to class early in the morning or a reliable ride home late at night ..."
Because of road closures and heavy traffic, the additional 10 percent weekend discount will not be available on the last three home football games, Nov. 10, 17 and 24. The 15 percent discount will still apply on those dates.
