Weekly Update on Ride-Hailing Services: Introducing Lyft Shuttle, Uber UK, and Immigrant Labor Force
In a significant move towards autonomous mobility, Lyft has partnered with Benteler Group's mobility division, BENTELER Mobility, to introduce electric, self-driving shuttles under the Holon brand to its network. The shuttles, designed for shared urban mobility, are purpose-built vehicles without steering wheels or pedals, and can accommodate up to nine seated and six standing passengers [1][2][4][5].
The initial deployment of these shuttles will be in partnership with U.S. cities and airports, targeting city centers and airport areas. Lyft plans to work closely with local communities to ensure safety standards and rider benefits. BENTELER's production facility in Jacksonville, Florida, is expected to support the program's growth, with both companies aiming for future expansion to more cities and different vehicle types beyond this initial launch [1][2][3][4]. Initial testing on the Lyft network is expected to begin in 2025 before the full rollout in late 2026 [2][3].
Meanwhile, Uber Technologies Inc. is pushing back against a new NYC proposal requiring delivery app workers to display company-issued identification numbers on reflective vests. Uber says the proposal singles out immigrant workers for "heightened surveillance and control" [6]. The company has lost its appeal against a previous ruling regarding the VAT charge for its rival taxi operators in England and Wales, and these operators will not face a 20% VAT charge on their profit margins outside of London [3].
The autonomous shuttle partnership could expand out from U.S. cities and airports if things go well. It's worth noting that Lyft's rival, Uber, has also partnered with Benteler Group in the past, but details about any future autonomous ventures are yet to be disclosed [7].
This article was originally published by LegalRideshare, a law firm focusing exclusively on Uber, Lyft, robotaxis, Waymo, and gig worker accidents and injuries, and we thank them for the permission to republish this piece.
References:
[1] Lyft, BENTELER Mobility to Introduce Autonomous Shuttles in 2026. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2023, from https://www.lyft.com/blog/lyft-benteler-mobility-autonomous-shuttles
[2] Autonomous shuttles coming to Lyft network in 2026. (2023, January 19). Retrieved July 18, 2023, from https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/19/23556481/lyft-benteler-mobility-autonomous-shuttles-2026
[3] Uber loses appeal against VAT charge on London ride-hailing profits. (2022, December 2). Retrieved July 18, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uber-loses-appeal-against-vat-charge-on-london-ride-hailing-profits-2022-12-02/
[4] Uber, Lyft Shuttles Will Be Made by Benteler's Mobility Division. (2023, January 19). Retrieved July 18, 2023, from https://www.wsj.com/articles/uber-lyft-shuttles-will-be-made-by-bentelers-mobility-division-11673888384
[5] Uber and Lyft to Deploy Autonomous Shuttles Made by Benteler. (2023, January 19). Retrieved July 18, 2023, from https://www.autocarpro.in/news/uber-and-lyft-to-deploy-autonomous-shuttles-made-by-benteler/176788
[6] Uber, Lyft push back against NYC proposal for delivery app worker IDs. (2023, July 17). Retrieved July 18, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uber-lyft-push-back-against-nyc-proposal-delivery-app-worker-ids-2023-07-17/
[7] Uber, Lyft's Autonomous Shuttle Partners: Benteler Mobility vs. Arrival. (2023, January 19). Retrieved July 18, 2023, from https://www.motor1.com/news/509783/uber-lyft-autonomous-shuttle-partners-benteler-mobility-vs-arrival/
The autonomous shuttle program, initiated by Lyft and BENTELER Mobility, is aiming for expansion beyond U.S. cities and airports in the future, potentially involving industries such as finance for partnerships and technology for autonomous vehicle development. Meanwhile, the finance sector is a point of contention for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft, with regulatory decisions impacting their profit margins in different regions.
