Lyft is testing a subscription model in Baltimore

Lyft thinks the future lies in paying for rides like Netflix accounts, and has been testing a monthly subscription plan this year.
The ridesharing giant is moving toward offering the service in more cities, and on Wednesday it is rolling out a waitlist in markets around the country including Baltimore. Riders who are eligible will receive an email invite to access the waitlist. Signing up for the waitlist is free, but Lyft will send another message if a pass becomes available. The company didn’t say how many spots are available, or when the test would begin.
Along with a set plan for frequent users, Lyft sees it as another way to incentivize getting around without owning a car.
“Testing our newest subscription model in Baltimore is the next step in moving rideshare from one based on ownership, to one based on subscription,” Lyft Baltimore Market Manager Mike Heslin said in a statement.
Under the “All-Access Plan” that’s being tested, Lyft plans to offer a maximum of 30 rides for $200, according to info provided by a company spokesperson. Rides have to cost $15 or less under the plan. It’s not clear if that will be the only packaged offered, as previous reports from Techcrunch indicated the company tried out a variety pricing structures.
Heslin indicated more plans would be made available in the coming weeks.