ARNPRIOR – The ride-sharing platform known as Lyft has made an agreement with the Town of Arnprior to bring its services to western Renfrew County and beyond.

“Lyft, whose mission is to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation, is pleased to announce it has expanded its Ottawa region operating area to the Town of Arnprior, as well as the entire City of Ottawa,” the ride-sharing platform released in a statement today (Feb. 25).

Thousands of Ottawans already count on Lyft to help them travel and connect to public transit within the city. According to Lyft’s 2020 Economic Impact Report, 48 per cent of Ottawa riders say they explore more areas of their city as a result of using Lyft. Now, Lyft is proud to be the first ridesharing company to serve the Town of Arnprior, offering residents an affordable and efficient alternative to driving. 

The local council welcomed Lyft’s arrival in Arnprior during the Monday (Feb. 24) evening council meeting as it will offer residents more options when it comes to travel, especially in the winter months when overnight parking is not an option. 

 “We are excited to expand our service into Arnprior and provide a reliable and affordable transportation option to residents and visitors,” Lyft’s Ottawa general manager Rob Woodbridge said at Arnprior’s Feb. 24 evening council meeting. “Several Lyft drivers live in Arnprior, so we’re happy to be able to offer them a flexible earning opportunity closer to home. And as always, Lyft is committed to being a strong community partner, so we’re proud that rides in Arnprior will help support our regional partner, The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.“

 “The need for alternate transportation options in Arnprior has been a key priority identified in the town’s strategic plan, so not only are we thrilled to welcome a new business to our community, but we are also fortunate that it assists us in providing affordable transportation to our residents and visitors alike,” Mayor Walter Stack said. 

Since launching in Ottawa two years ago, Lyft has continually invested in the community through partners including the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the company’s LyftUp partner in the region, meaning riders can opt-in to round up their fares to the nearest dollar and donate the remainder to CHEO. 

Ottawa is home to Lyft’s first-ever permanent hub in Canada, a support and community space for drivers that Arnprior drivers will now have access to as well. Lyft is also the official rideshare partner for the Ottawa Senators, encouraging fans to avoid facing off over a parking spot and take a responsible ride home after games. 

Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation, and is available to 95 percent of the United States population as well as select cities in Canada. Lyft is committed to effecting positive change for our cities by offsetting carbon emissions from all rides, and by promoting transportation equity through shared rides, bikeshare systems, electric scooters, and public transit partnerships.