Lyft is planning to expand its platform in order to include food and medical supply deliveries during the outbreak of COVID-19. The decision to move in this direction is the result of a drastic decrease in the number of Lyft users requesting rides on the platform, at the same time there is an increased demand in food and medical supplies.
Additionally, the platform released a statement about the decision to make these changes, "This work helps create new opportunities for drivers, provides rides to those in need, and helps distribute essential goods."
The company has also partnered with eight different Medicaid agencies to dispense transportation to and from non-emergency medical appointments.
Ride-Hailing Supply Deliveries
Lyft Will Be Completing Food and Medical Supply Deliveries
Trend Themes
1. Expanded Delivery Services - Lyft's expansion into food and medical supply deliveries presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the delivery service industry.
2. Adapting to User Needs - The decision to shift focus from ride-hailing to essential deliveries highlights the importance of adapting to changing customer demands, presenting innovation opportunities for businesses in various industries.
3. Transportation for Healthcare Access - Lyft's partnership with Medicaid agencies to provide transportation to medical appointments showcases a disruptive innovation opportunity in the healthcare industry.
Industry Implications
1. Delivery Services - The expansion of Lyft into food and medical supply deliveries presents an opportunity for disruption in the delivery services industry.
2. Ride-hailing - Lyft's shift in focus from ride-hailing to essential deliveries highlights an innovation opportunity within the ride-hailing industry.
3. Healthcare - Lyft's collaboration with Medicaid agencies to provide non-emergency medical transportation presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the healthcare sector.