Riders in Austin can now select an autonomous vehicle in the Lyft app to help get around the city. This marks the first time that a commercial autonomous service is available in Austin, and also marks the third city where Lyft customers can hail a self-driving ride along, with Miami, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada.
“For riders in Austin, this new ride mode looks just like any other Lyft ride,” the company said in a statement on Thursday. “Riders can hail an AV (a Ford self-driving car powered by Argo AI technology) directly in the Lyft app for the same price as a normal Lyft ride. Riders will be able to easily control their ride without the assistance of a driver. When their vehicle arrives, the rider can unlock the doors, start their ride, and even contact customer support all from within the Lyft app. At this time, a rider will also be accompanied by two safety operators, as we prepare for a fully autonomous future.”
With the launch today, Lyft is now the only company to operate a commercial AV rideshare service in three North American cities.
