Lyft challenges drivers to ‘Ditch Your Car’ for a month
One thousand drivers who agree to give up their cars for a month will receive hundreds of dollars in credits to use with Lyft, public transit and bike share programs in Milwaukee and 19 other cities around the country.
The “Ditch Your Car” campaign will run from Oct. 8 to Nov. 6.
“Ridesharing has already changed the way Americans depend on owning a car and how we get around cities — but now it’s time to take an even bolder step toward creating a new future of mobility,” Jean-Paul Biondi, Lyft’s Wisconsin market manager, said in a statement.
Vehicle owners interested in participating can sign up at
and select their city in the drop-down menu.
Fifty entrants from each city will be randomly chosen.
Those chosen will be asked to stow their car keys in a lockbox that will remain accessible in case of emergency.
“The Lyft community is one that cares about the future, we believe 99% of people who volunteer to be part of this movement are doing it because they believe that together we can have a positive impact by making this lifestyle change,” a Lyft spokesman said in a statement.
Participants in Milwaukee will receive vouchers valued at $415 for $300 Lyft rides as well as the Milwaukee County Transit System, Zipcar and Bublr bikes.
Those chosen will be asked to participate in a pre- and post-program survey in each market.
“The way we move around cities like Milwaukee is quickly changing, and getting from place to place is faster, easier and more convenient than ever,” Biondi said. “But there’s more than one way to do it, which is why we’re excited to challenge residents to shake up their everyday driving habits.”
Biondi said that the challenge will show “Milwaukeeans the many ways to travel in an urban environment.”
The Bublr bikes are part of the “diverse and flexible transportation choices that don’t require being anchored to car ownership,” said James Davies, Bublr senior vice president of operations and planning.
“Sometimes, all we need is a little encouragement to experience how freeing a car-less life can be.”
Participating in Ditch Your Car: Miami, Nashville, Phoenix, Cleveland, Orange County, St. Louis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Dallas, Austin, Portland, San Antonio, Indianapolis, Chicago, Richmond, Va., Milwaukee, Boston, Seattle, Denver, Orlando, Tampa, Philadelphia, San Diego, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Columbus, Charlotte, Houston, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Toronto, New York and Baltimore.