Lyft is emphasizing that transportation shouldn’t be a reason for anyone to miss out on voting.

On Wednesday, the rideshare firm announced it will provide riders with a 50% discount, capped at $10, for rides on Election Day through its Voting Access Program.

Users can input the code, VOTE24, anytime prior to November 5 for rides involving rideshare, bikeshare, or scooters. The discount is applicable from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. across all time zones.

“Lyft is committed to ensuring that transportation is not a hurdle for anyone wanting to vote,” stated Lyft’s Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden in a press release. “Our Voting Access Program showcases our dedication to making a positive impact, and we are thrilled to invite both riders and drivers to engage in their important right to vote, regardless of financial status, location, or political views.”

On voting day, the app will showcase election-related graphics on its homepage, along with specific icons and messages. Once users apply the Election Day discount code, they will see festive red, white, and blue confetti on their screens, according to the company.

Lyft Identifies Link Between Transportation and Voter Turnout

Lyft’s findings indicate that an increase of one mile to a polling location can lead to a decrease in voter turnout by as much as 20%. Recently, they released a report detailing how transportation affects voting turnout.

The study revealed that Texans have the longest drives to polling places, averaging 5.8 miles, followed closely by Georgia with 5.6 miles and Mississippi with 5.3 miles.

On the other side, Rhode Island has the shortest trips to polling sites at 2.8 miles, followed by New Hampshire at 3 miles and Washington D.C. at 3.1 miles, as per Lyft’s data.

The report also provided insights into wait times at polls across different states and the decisions voters make concerning their voting preferences.

Lyft’s Initiative Aims to Remove Transportation Barriers

Lyft stated it is collaborating with several nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations, like the Democracy Reinvestment Fund, to provide affordable rides. They have also partnered with Levi Strauss & Co. and Showtime/MTV to assist 500,000 community college students with voter registration and turnout initiatives by 2028.

Furthermore, Lyft is offering free or discounted rides to communities facing transportation challenges by partnering with several non-profit organizations, including:

• When We All Vote (WWAV)
• National Voter Registration Day (NVRD)
• National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
• League of Women Voters (LVW)
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
• National Council on Aging (NCOA)
• Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
• Hispanic Federation
• Grita! Canta! Vota!
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• National Urban League (NUL)
• VoteRiders
• Students Learn Students Vote Coalition (SLSV)
• Power the Polls, National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
• Easterseals Inc.
• Human Rights Campaign Foundation
• YMCA

Uber Announces Similar 50% Discount for Rides to Polls

Similarly, Uber has announced it will also offer a 50% discount on rides up to $10 for Election Day in most states, as revealed on Monday.

Using a new “Go Vote” feature in the app, users can book a ride to the nearest polling location with the discount, except in California or Georgia. The offer is valid from 4 a.m. local time on November 5 until 11:59 p.m. local time.

In addition, Uber will provide a 25% discount on food orders over $25, capped at $15.

“We are excited to leverage our technology to help eligible Americans reach the polls safely and conveniently this Election Day,” stated the company in a news announcement.