Hampden, Mondawmin Mall among top Baltimore Lyft destinations

It’s been a busy year of traversing the city, and Lyft is handing out end-0f-year superlatives to round up where Baltimore riders loved going.

The ridesharing company’s Lyftie Awards draw on the company’s data to unveil the most popular destinations. The national company has a local presence via its hub and partnerships in the community.

It’s the fifth year for the awards, and this time there are some new categories as the company looks to highlight connections to transit and its drivers.

“Lyft believes in improving the lives of our communities and this year, we’re proud to celebrate the businesses, drivers and different modes of transportation that makes each of our cities special,” said Mike Heslin, general manager of Lyft Baltimore.

In the driver category, Lyft honored Darlene Mitchell as the driver of the year, calling her a “late night hero.”

And one of the awards was the best piece of advice from a driver. The company shared thoughts from driver Sean Brown on a favorite spot.

“Fort McHenry and Star-Spangled Banner Flag House because the American flag was made in a brewery and it flew over Fort McHenry,” Brown said. “Such a great piece of Baltimore history!”

Here’s a look at top destinations:

• Most Celebrated Venue — Mondawmin Mall
• Top Transit Stop — Penn Station
• Late Night Neighborhood — Hampden
• Most Celebrated Restaurant/Bar — The Horse You Came In On Saloon

Looking back, it’s also been a busy year for Lyft locally with new programs. The company launched programs to provide free and discounted rides to address food access and employment.