Ride-hailing giant Lyft launched a new on-demand delivery service for groceries, meals and medical supplies for people in need, Reuters reported Wednesday.
The news service reported that the service is initially launching in Austin, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco, San Diego, San Antonio and Seattle.
The service isn't like Uber Eats. It's called Essential Deliveries, and it's designed exactly for that. Lyft drivers can be booked by government agencies, nonprofits, businesses and hospitals to fulfill deliveries.
The service was not available on the consumer app in Austin on Wednesday, based on our look at the app. Lyft noted that when it becomes available, drivers will get an email or in-app message to sign up.
But The Verge reported that Lyft will also deliver to low-income residents and families who don't have access to transportation.
“As communities shelter in place, the need for items to be delivered to the doorstep is at an all-time high,” Lisa Boyd, director of social impact at Lyft, said in the news release. “Whether it's meals for high-risk seniors or medical supplies for individuals with a medical condition, Lyft’s community of drivers is ready to help meet the needs of our communities while earning additional income.”
