Broward College Partners with Lyft to Improve Transportation Options for Students

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 22, 2019) – Lack of transportation between campuses has been a long-time challenge for Broward College students. Now, Broward College students who take classes at multiple locations will have access to an affordable and reliable transportation option, thanks to an agreement between the College and transportation network Lyft. The Broward College and Lyft Ride Smart Program, the first of its kind in Florida, will start with an 18-week pilot during the fall 2019 semester and will offer students transportation between campuses at reduced rates. 

The pilot will initially be available to approximately 250 students, who will receive discount credits of $6, $10 and $13 based on the distance between campuses. These credits are being provided by the College to subsidize transportation exclusively between the College’s three main campuses across Broward County, and for students whose lack of reliable transportation options limit their ability to pursue additional courses.

“In our conversations with students, they often share concerns regarding the impact that the lack of transportation has on their ability to take classes that could expedite their ability to complete coursework, graduate and move on to the workforce or university,” said Broward College President, Gregory Adam Haile, Esq. “We are always in search of ways to eliminate barriers that have affected student success. Our partnership with Lyft will offer a safe and affordable option while addressing one of the greatest challenges for our students.” 

How It Works: 

• Students eligible for the pilot will receive a message to their Broward College email, inviting them to activate their ride credits via the Lyft app. This one-time activation will link student email addresses to current or new Lyft accounts
  
  
• Each month, credits will automatically be added to the student’s Lyft accounts for use under the program's terms and conditions
  
  
• Students using Lyft Shared Rides will be picked up and dropped off at designated locations on each campus  

“The entire Lyft team is thrilled to partner with Broward College to offer students reliable, affordable and convenient transportation solutions to help them get to and from their various classes,” said Ariel Meyer, general manager of Lyft in South Florida. “We look forward to making things a little easier for these students as they move forward on their own academic journeys.” 

Founded in 2012, Lyft has become one of the world leaders in ridesharing. The company has recently begun partnering with colleges and universities throughout the country to provide students with transportation on their education journey. Additional academic institutions with similar Lyft partnerships include The University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California and Johns Hopkins University. 

The College will assess usage data at the end of the 18-week pilot to determine if there is a need to increase the number of students participating in the program. For more information, please visit broward.edu/ridesmart.