Lyft Is Launching Self-Driving Vehicles in Atlanta and Dallas

Lyft users in some cities will get the opportunity to ride in a self-driving vehicle. Working with various technology partners, the ride-hailing company is bringing autonomous vehicles (AV) to its fleet this year.

Self-driving technology company May Mobility is working with Lyft to launch AVs in Atlanta, Georgia. The Toyota Sienna minivans equipped with self-driving capabilities should be appearing around the city in the coming months.

Mobileye, another AV technology developer, has also partnered with the company to bring self-driving vehicles to the ride-hailing app. According to Axios, Dallas, Texas, Lyft users will potentially see AVs utilizing Mobileye technology among the ride options as soon as next year.

“Enabling Mobileye Drive with Lyft’s network of 40 million annual riders in North America would allow our AV customers to reach new markets and geographies with autonomous services and provide the benefits of the technology through a sustainable business,” said Mobileye CEO Prof. Amnon Shashua.

Should Current Lyft Drivers Be Worried About AVs?

According to Lyft’s EVP of driver experience, Jeremy Bird, drivers shouldn’t be concerned about the addition of driverless vehicles to the marketplace — at least not yet. While it is improving, autonomous driving software is not yet fully ready and is “still something of a novelty.”

Bird notes that AVs could improve rider experience, which leads to growth and a positive perception of Lyft. With that, comes more opportunities and income for drivers.

“AVs will grow the whole rideshare pie,” wrote Byrd.

With current technological limits, AVs have difficulty navigating some driving situations such as bad weather, poor lighting, or even certain road types. High-traffic environments, like rush hour, are also problematic for driverless cars. Human drivers are still needed to handle more complex routes and conditions.

Of course, AVs aren’t capable of the same human interaction with riders. The technology can’t load luggage into the vehicle, help an elderly rider in and out of the car, or provide insight to a tourist about the best places to visit in a city. Only human Lyft drivers can do that, which many riders may choose instead of the more robotic ride experience.

Lyft says the addition of self-driving vehicles to its fleet is an enhancement, not a detriment, to human drivers. The ride-hailing company believes the tech will “unlock exciting new business and earnings opportunities.”