Lyft Ridehail Partnership
overview
Vanderbilt has a preferred partnership with Lyft to offer a flexible transportation option for faculty, staff, and students using ridehail services while conducting official university business. This framework allows the utilization of centralized billing and ensures sponsored travel has parameters guaranteeing a high level of safety and reduced risk while using these services.
Departments can now establish ride parameters for programmatic transportation needs through the Lyft dashboard. Examples of where a department may utilize Lyft for university-sponsored trips:
- Student programs
- Event transportation
- Backup rides when other options are unavailable
Program leaders must attend a training session hosted by VU staff about the Lyft dashboard and ensure compliance with university policies before utilizing the dashboard. Lyft now offers Lyft Pass which will help you tailor all or a portion of the cost of rides and control the usage and cost of the program.
Below are some examples:
Passes (formerly Codes) – For one-off events or non-recurring rides. The codes have a set location, time, max redemptions, or dollar value. Offline billing is required (net 45 invoice). The program is then only charged based on how many times that code was redeemed/used on a Net-45 day basis.
Credits – For rides that occur regularly. Department provides a list of eligible riders to Lyft who will receive Lyft credits. This way a code does not have to be generated and sent out for every use. Credits can be restricted by date, time, and location. Eligible participants sign up using their @vanderbilt.edu email. Credits are typically used for people needing to get to a location or specific area several times a week or monthly. Offline billing is required (net 45 invoice). The program is then only charged based on actual usage of the credit for the Net-45 day period.
Concierge – For VU community members or guests who don’t have the Lyft app. The Lyft dashboard can be used by programs to book trips on a rider’s behalf. The Concierge platform offers a user-friendly booking interface that is compatible with any internet-enabled device. Offline billing is required and rides may include an additional fee that is dispatched through the Lyft dashboard.
To get started, please email MoveVU_Ridehail@vanderbilt.edu to schedule a discussion with Transportation & Mobility and Purchasing & Payment Services to determine which program works best for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get more information and sign up for my university program?
- To get additional information on account setup or Lyft products, email MoveVU_Ridehail@vanderbilt.edu.
- How are these rides billed?
- Rides are billed by Lyft on a Net-45 day basis. Payment by One Card is not an option for individual rides. A One Card may be used to pay the Net-45 day invoice.
- Do we get discounts on Lyft or free rides?
- No, you will not receive free rides or discounts when you create an account on the Lyft dashboard for your VU program.
resources
FAQs Designated Ridehail Pick-up and Drop-off Areas
Lyft’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Program
Lyft Partnership Detailed Information, Forms, and Training for VU programs