Ride-sharing company Lyft launches in Ottawa

Today, Lyft announced its ridesharing service is now available in the Ottawa region, marking the company’s entrance into its second Canadian city. To mark the announcement today, Ottawa Senator Matt Duchene took the first Lyft ride in Ottawa.

To celebrate the launch, Lyft has partnered with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). In the coming months, Lyft will add CHEO to Round Up & Donate, an in-app feature that allows Lyft passengers to opt-in to have their fare rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference donated to a charity of choice. With this partnership passengers will be able to use every Lyft ride every day to help children reach their full potential.

“We are thrilled to be operating in Ottawa, and to be available to residents of Canada’s capital. We have an amazing network of Ottawans who are excited to begin driving in this great city,” said Aaron Zifkin, Managing Director, Canada, Lyft. “We look forward to sharing the Lyft values and services with both the local community and tourists while offering an affordable and reliable transportation service.”

“CHEO is proud to partner with Lyft as the company brings its service to Ottawa. We’re excited to be a part of Round Up & Donate, enabling passengers to support the work CHEO does for families across our region,” said Kevin Keohane, President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation. “Support from Lyft’s passenger community will go directly to the CHEO Foundation, which provides funds for the purchase of specialized medical equipment, live-saving research, medical and nursing education and assistance for families in crisis.”

Lyft launches with its standard 4-seat ride option as well as the 6-seat Lyft Plus. Starting today, first time Lyft riders in Ottawa will receive $5 off their first ride with the code 2018HIOTTAWA as a welcome gift from Lyft.