MANSFIELD — Richland County has become a part of the new economy.
Lyft, a 24/7 on-demand transportation company, now has drivers in the Mansfield area.
“I think it’s great to have another transportation option,” said Jodie Perry, president of the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce. “On-demand transit is prolific in larger cities, it is great to see it come down to smaller ones.”
Justin Smith, 26, is a Lyft driver who said he discovered the 24/7 on-demand transportation company had operations in the area after applying to drive in Columbus.
“I hadn’t heard anything about it (being in the area),” Smith said. “I was looking to drive in the Columbus, Toledo and Cleveland area. I noticed the cities had regions and Mansfield was included in the Toledo and Cleveland cities.”
Smith said he and two other local drivers for Lyft have found the new profession hit-and-miss.
“The most popular times are morning and coming home from work,” Smith said. “On the weekend, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. is popular because people are coming to and from bars.”
Perry agreed the transportation service allows more options to grab groceries, run errands or be a safe alternative to getting home after attending a Mansfield restaurant.
“Competition can be good,” she said. “The hard work and upgrades made to local transit has been great, and the extra hours (Lyft) adds … I think it’s great to have another option.”
The Lyft app, found in a smartphone’s app store, allows users to locate drivers near them and set a pick up. Then users can see how far the vehicle is from their location.
Lyft has created a discount code for first riders. Use ‘LYFTMANSFIELD234’ within the app.
The price ranges between $4 and $400, according to the Lyft website. A Lyft ride can be interstate as well as local rides, Smith added.
“It’s a lot cheaper than other taxi serivces and the service is better too,” Smith said.
Smith, who started his transportation career last week said driving for Lyft, is a good way to make extra money.
“It’s a good way to make money on the side,” he said.
Perry agreed, adding it could help add to the county’s economy.
“With over 120,000 people in Richland County, I’d expect there to be a strong demand for people to be able to be a driver for more than a few hours a week,” she said.
