Ride-hailing app service Lyft says it topped some of its previous passenger traffic highs during this year’s South by Southwest festivals in Austin.
Without releasing specific figures, Lyft said its drivers gave four-and-a-half times as many rides during SXSW 2016 as they did during SXSW 2015.
The number of new passenger sign-ups was up 250 percent year over year, Lyft said.
“South by Southwest was phenomenal for us,” said Aaron Fox, Lyft’s Austin general manager. “It blew away everyone’s expectations.”
Fox said Lyft partnered with SXSW to become the festival’s exclusive ride-sharing partner, which gave the company a competitive edge. It also teamed up with Budweiser, which handed out Lyft coupons at several sites around town.
Usage of the Lyft Line service, which just marked its first anniversary, was up 450 percent, Fox said. Lyft Line vehicles make multiple stops, enabling passengers who aren’t in as much of a hurry to pay less for their ride.
“Austin is a great market for us,” Fox said.
About the Author
