Lyft rolled out a pair of new community-oriented initiatives locally on Wednesday. The ridesharing giant has offerings for riders and drivers, respectively, and they’re throwing in some perks.

Ditch Your Car

If the new transportation options and infrastructure popping up around the city have led to thoughts of car-free life, a new program may be a good fit.
Lyft is issuing a “Ditch Your Car” challenge to the city. To add some extra incentive, 50 Baltimore residents who respond will get transportation credits for a month (October 6-November 8) from those agencies in exchange for parking the automobile. Sign-ups begin Wednesday, September 26, and Lyft said winners will be chosen at random.
“The way that people move around cities is changing faster than ever, and we are excited to challenge Baltimore residents to change their everyday habits and give up their car for a month,” said Mike Heslin, Market Manager for Lyft Baltimore, in a statement. “Lyft alone is not the overall solution to overcome transportation hurdles, but by partnering with MTA we are able to create a full menu of mobility options for Baltimore residents.”
Heslin has talked about the San Francisco–based company’s goals to make it possible to get around a city without a car. Now it’s putting out the call in 35 cities, including Baltimore.
The 50 car-free people who officially participate in the program, selected at random from those who sign up, will get a $300 Lyft ride credit, a monthlong Zipcar subscription and a 30-day MTA pass good for bus and rail services except MARC. Though they won’t be free, there’s also the option of taking a bike, scooter or water taxi. (And if you get selected, let us know how it goes).
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Lyft Pitch

Another program announced on Wednesday is for the entrepreneurial drivers out there on the road.
Lyft is planning a pitch competition later this fall for drivers who have their own business. The ridesharing company said that about 18 percent of drivers use earnings to supplement their own ventures. Lyft Pitch is looking to draw out some of the compelling business ideas, and the effort is beginning with a competition in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia.
The company is offering the potential for a piece of $30,000 in prize money, as well as other perks from sponsors Intuit and General Assembly.
Before the pitch competition, Lyft will pick eight finalists who will go through a business bootcamp. The final pitch will be November 14 in D.C.
On the effort, Lyft is also partnering with local organizations that support entrepreneurs like ETC Baltimore, Sagamore Ventures and Black Girl Ventures.
Apply at the link below by October 21.
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