Under a six-month, USD 70,000 pilot program approved by the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), rail passengers of Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) can receive discounted rides between rail stations and their place of employment through a subsidy for the Lyft service. The subsidized rides are offered via LyftLine, a rideshare service operated by Lyft. TAM is also partnering with the nonprofit Whistlestop to extend the program to elderly and disabled users.
Customers will use a mobile application from a smartphone to hail a LyftLine driver to take themselves and other SMART riders, traveling in the same general direction, to and from work. Riders can use the discount for up to 40 trips a month, Monday through Friday. To spur the use of Lyft, a promo code “GETSMART17” offers a $5 discount after the rider pays the first $2. Whistlestop will assist users who do not have cellphones. The discount can only be used at Marin SMART stations: Novato North at San Marin, Hamilton, Marin Civic Center and downtown San Rafael.
“TAM is always working to improve mobility and expand transportation options in Marin. Our partnership with Lyft and Whistlestop provides travelers a convenient, reliable option to get to and from SMART,” said Dianne Steinhauser, executive director of the agency.
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