BOISE, Idaho — Starting Monday, Valley Regional Transit, or ValleyRide bus services, is partnering with Lyft, a ride-sharing app, to offer discounted rides to nearby bus stops.
The idea behind the new Lyft transit connections program is to get people to use buses and ride sharing instead of relying on their cars to get around the Treasure Valley.
The program is simple, using a special code, riders in the coverage zone can get two dollar rides to the nearest bus stop and from the bus stop home.
The coverage zone includes 14 frequently used bus stops across the Valley, each one will feature a new, unique Lyft sign at those bus stops.
The new system will attempt to become an extension of the current bus system and help people who work or live a further away from ValleyRide bus stops to begin using more public transportation.
Valley Regional Transit says they know there is a growing demand for more public transportation options and this will start to help meet that demand.
"I think that there is a growing feeling of, I don't want to take my car I want to try alternative transportation," Mark Carnopis, a spokesperson for Valley Regional Transit, said. "It is good for the environment, it's good for my pocketbook so that is what we are trying to tap into that sort of interests."
To take advantage of the new partnership, just download the Lyft app and set up an account. In the Promos section of the app, enter the code VRT19.
From there, simply request a ride to one of the bus stops or a ride home from one. Riders will have to be within one of the coverage zones to receive the $2 fare and Valley Regional Transit will up to $6 for the rest of the fare.
The offer does include time restrictions too. The offer is only valid 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
This pilot program is being funded in part by a $100,000 federal grant, that was also matched by the City of Boise.
Valley Regional Transit will be monitoring to how popular the program is and says that expansion of it is a possibility.