Lyft beginning service in Jax

[ProjectMaximus]

First Uber, now Lyft.

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/04/25/pink-mustached-vehicles-descend-on-jacksonville.html

[rutabaga]

I'll bet the taxi companies are happy to see these new ventures.  I would rather see some kind of rail operation provide connectivity.

[ProjectMaximus]

For sure, but this is big too. Taxis are very inadequate in Jax.

Btw, if you download the app now and become a "pioneer" you get 50 free rides for the next two weeks!! I will be utilizing tonight and will report back.

[ProjectMaximus]

I said I would report back...

Have used Lyft over a dozen times now and very little complaints thus far. I'd say capacity is a small issue at particular times (early morning and late at night are the worst, and occasionally at rush hour times also) One thing the app could do better is let you know how many cars are on the road, even if they aren't available to pick you up. Right now, the app only tells you how many cars are free to come get you. When that number is zero, it would help to know that there are cars that are at least driving passengers and will be free once they drop them off.

Cars are always clean and drivers are by-and-large interesting people and fine drivers. Occasionally there are people who don't know directions very well and a few who are way too cautious (defensive drivers) for my taste, but clearly thats what Lyft wants.

Overall, I don't see this being a huge success right away as the cost would be prohibitive in most scenarios. Even though it's currently free and I've become very comfortable with Lyft and friendly with some of the drivers, I refuse to call a Lyft when I am traveling a shorter distance than they would be driving to come get me. It's so inefficient and feels like bad environment karma. And I'd imagine my only use once the free promotion is over would be for going out in groups at night when no one wants to be a DD. You could also probably get between the beaches and downtown for about $40 incl tip, so that also becomes an enticing option if you have a group traveling. There's no additional cost for extra stops or extra passengers, and I think one driver told me he could carry 7 people.