Ridesharing app Lyft announced a new feature for Boston users on Wednesday that will show public transit routes and schedules within the app, a move the company's leaders say will help improve accessibility to various forms of transportation.
Boston is the sixth city to receive the "Nearby Transit" component in the Lyft app after Santa Monica in California, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Those who open the app to request a ride will also be able to see MBTA options.
In a press release announcing the change, a Lyft spokesperson said the update began rolling out Wednesday.
"Every corner of Boston has amazing attractions, dining, and cultural experiences worth traveling to, and this is one of the many reasons why we're excited to bring Nearby Transit to the city," Tyler George, general manager for Lyft Boston, said in the Wednesday release. "We're connecting people to more transportation options within the app than ever, and we believe that by better integrating Lyft and public transit, we can make it easier and more efficient for people to get around the Boston area."
Company data shows that about three-quarters of Lyft users in Boston also ride public transit at least once a week, and almost half of them do not own or lease a personal vehicle, according to the press release.
