Lyft launches ride sharing service in Central Pennsylvania
Lyft’s territory in Central Pennsylvania. The ride-sharing service started operating here Nov. 17. (Tom Downing/WITF)
(Undated — ) Ride-sharing service Lyft is now operating in Central Pennsylvania.
The new territory includes Harrisburg, Hershey, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Lancaster, Lititz, Millersville, Columbia, Wrightsville, York, Hanover, Dover, Gettysburg, Red Lion and New Freedom, according to maps provided by the company.
Rides officially started at noon Thursday in the midstate. Customers can save $5 on their first ride through mobile app-enabled service by using the code “PALOVE”, and use the app or the company’s website to check fares in advance.
State lawmakers legalized ride-sharing operations in Pennsylvania a few weeks ago. But Uber and Lyft have each been operating in the some parts of the state since 2014, ultimately prompting the state Public Utilities Commission to fine them. Uber’s $11.4 million fine remains unpaid and is far heftier than the $225,000 demanded from Lyft.
Lyft started operating in the Reading, Allentown and Bethlehem areas last week. It’s already up and running in State College, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and King of Prussia, according to the company’s website.
A spokeswoman says Lyft doesn’t track its driver numbers in a given market, but has 215,000 on the road nationally.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
