A.G. Gancarski
Even as Jacksonville waits for yet another legislative session to offer clarity in ridesharing legislation from Tallahassee, transportation networking giant Lyft has a message.
Lyft claims to save Jacksonville time, and claims to boost the local economy.
Lyft claims to drive $5 million of new spending to the local economy, with 73 percent of respondents to a local survey claiming that Lyft makes them feel comfortable going out later or staying out longer.
Corollary to that: nearly 89 percent of respondents to the survey claim Lyft helps them avoid driving while intoxicated.
Another claim from Lyft: the company saves Jacksonville residents 33,000 hours a year, and that 22 percent of Lyft rides in Jacksonville start in underserved areas.
In a release to media, Lyft also offers a deep dive into the demographics of its drivers.
A full 80 percent of Lyft drivers are otherwise employed, with 90.9 percent having need for flexible hours.
21 percent of Lyft drivers are otherwise occupied in the creative class; 29 percent, meanwhile, own small businesses.
Nearly one in seven Lyft drivers are veterans, while three in ten are caregivers.
