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As a transportation network company, Lyft is dedicated not only to the safety of its passengers, but also of the many drivers who take to the roads daily. When most of the world was stopped in its tracks due to the coronavirus in March, Lyft launched the LyftUp Driver Community Task Force. Through the Task Force, Lyft drivers have risen to the occasion, becoming local heroes in their own right by driving frontline and essential workers and by getting food to those who can’t leave their homes. To date, more than 120,000 drivers from across the country have signed up through the Task Force to support community-oriented trips.
In April, Lyft launched Essential Deliveries, a new initiative where government agencies, local non-profits, businesses and healthcare organizations can facilitate the delivery of meals, groceries, life-sustaining medical supplies, hygiene products and home necessities, all delivered by drivers on the Lyft platform.
During these uncertain times, Lyft drivers also stepped up to provide essential workers with rides to get them where they needed to go. In May, the company announced its Health Safety Program with new policies, commitments and products designed to address the needs of their communities during this important time for public health. Lyft’s Health Safety Program includes driver and rider education, and a personal health certification that requires all riders and drivers to self-certify that they are symptom-free, will wear face masks throughout the ride, and will follow CDC and local health official guidelines related to COVID-19, before they’re able to ride or drive on the Lyft platform.
Lyft’s dedication to drivers and riders will continue as life slowly resumes and people adjust to the new normal. Scroll through as we introduce you to some of Lyft’s heroes as they share their stories and the impact they’ve had on their communities through providing transportation to those in need.
© LyftMaria Martinez
Location: San Pablo, California (Lyft start date: August 2019)
Maria Martinez has been driving with Lyft for almost a year. The single mom-of-three became a driver to earn additional income. During the pandemic, she has been a part of Lyft’s SOS Meals on Wheels delivery program and driving rideshare from 5 am to 10 am before heading to her full time job as a janitorial worker. “Especially now during this pandemic, I have been able to make it work for me despite the challenging times,” she tells HOLA! USA.
“Through this initiative, we have been able to deliver nearly 13,000 meals to homebound seniors across Oakland and Alameda County.” Her resilience is due to her daughters. “Even though circumstances are unique, I am so proud of them - one in college, one graduating high school and a ten-year-old, who are all helping to make it through,” she says. “They inspire me to be a part of this essential workforce and help out in the community. I have hope that we will continue to work together and take on these challenging times. I am feeling so fortunate to have the energy and opportunity to make a difference in my community and for my family.”
© LyftEdwin Espinoza
Location: Los Angeles, California (
Lyft start date: 2016)
The Guatemalan has called L.A. home for 23 years and has been driving with Lyft for over four years with over 5,000 rides to his name. The five-star driver has loved meeting riders and has become more than the guy getting them to their destination. “I have taken people who like to teach me words (in English), and I’ll teach them something in Spanish and about the Latino culture,” he shares. “It’s a great way to meet people, understand the community and share your cultures.”
By driving with Lyft, Edwin has been able to continue to earn income through the crisis and help those who truly need it and can’t leave their homes. There are people who struggle to get around or they are at higher risk,” he explains. “The opportunity to participate in Lyft’s Los Angeles Council District 8 Meal Delivery Program and collaborate with this community during these challenging times; it’s a beautiful experience. There are people from every demographic and background, but they always meet me with a warm welcome and grateful blessings.”
© LyftVioleta Dominguez
Location: El Paso, Texas (
Lyft start date: May 2018)
Fifty-year-old Violeta’s lifestyle has changed significantly since she started driving with Lyft. She has been able to create her own schedule, spend more time with her family, and has been rewarded by the gratitude of helping others. “As all work has good and bad experiences, I focus on the good ones.” she says. “When someone tells you, ‘It was a pleasure to have shared this trip with you,’ and thank yous, it makes you feel very satisfied.”
Throughout COVID, she has had an even larger impact on her community. “Lyft gave us the opportunity to work, but for me it is the opportunity to help so many people, who really need food because most of the people who require the food are old, and many aren’t able to leave their homes for health reasons,” she explains of her assisting the Meal Delivery Pilot Program with the El Paso Food Bank facilitated through Lyft. “It has been a blessing because I like to help people. I have been a volunteer for many years in different institutions. I am very happy and as long as my health and my family allow me to continue working, I will continue with this company since they make all the procedures very easy.”
© LyftSergio Paz
Location: Miami, Florida (
Lyft start date: 2018)
The former carpenter and cabinet maker wasn’t able to find adequate work upon moving to the Sunshine State, so when a friend suggested he drive with Lyft, he looked into it and is glad he did. “I was approved right away and for me that was like a dream come true, really,” he says. “Lyft gave me a job; it gave me money for my family.”
Joining the Driver Taskforce was a no brainer for Sergio, who takes precautions for himself and his passengers. “It all has to do with the kind of upbringing you had. I come from a country (Cuba) where solidarity is quite common, so amidst this whole situation, we always in one way or another join in any solidarity-related projects,” he explains. “I’m proud, for me it is an honor to be able to give something back to this beautiful society. This is a beautiful country where all is given to you, so you add your grain of sand to all of the other ones. I would be willing to do whatever I had to do. Protect ourselves, protect our passengers but also our families. This is a very big responsibility.”
“The safety of the Lyft community is our priority, and we’re grateful for everything drivers are doing to help support our communities during this time,” Lyft shared.
Thanks to these amazing drivers today and every day for being a prominent part of their communities.
