Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
NATIONWIDE – Today, Lyft announced a commitment to reach 100% electric vehicle rides by 2030, which could cut 16 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, slash air pollution that exacerbates major health problems, and offer up to $10 billion in savings for drivers.
The plan outlines a roadmap with 10 areas for drastic improvement, including commitments to support electric vehicle charging, expand access to electric vehicles through its rental programs, only advertise on public transit in ways that complement and promote access to it, and more.
Right now, ride-hailing actually generates 70 percent more pollution than the trips it displaces. The Sierra Club has pressured ride-hailing companies Lyft and Uber to double down on their sustainability efforts by making zero-emission vehicles more accessible to drivers and more available to riders; to stop advertising car-promoting, anti-transit ad campaigns; and to work in meaningful collaboration with transit agencies to promote transit ridership.
In response, Rebekah Whilden, a campaign representative with Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, released the following statement:
"Lyft’s commitment to 100% electric vehicle rides by 2030 is the direct result of tens of thousands of people pressuring the company to lead on climate action and provide cleaner air for communities.
“The Sierra Club looks forward to advocating alongside Lyft for policies and programs that will make electric vehicles more affordable for drivers, EV charging infrastructure that is equitably distributed, and ride-hailing programs that complement public transit.
“Lyft’s action plan is a big step to acknowledge and improve the company’s record on pollution and its negative impact on cities, and Uber must commit to the same.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.