Successful Pilot Program Automatically Pairs Riders and Drivers on Base, Active Duty Military and Dependents with Any Valid U.S. State Driver’s License Can Now Become Lyft Drivers

Camp Pendleton CA— One year after integrating Lyft at Camp Pendleton in a pilot program, the transportation network and the U.S. Marine installation are broadening the pilot, making ride requests even easier and increasing its pool of eligible drivers with a new California law.
Before the base-Lyft integration was introduced, requesting a ride was problematic for people living or commuting to and from the military base because of required security clearances. The program is a win-win for Lyft and military service men and women, as it provides affordable and accessible transportation at the base and provides job opportunities to veterans and spouses of active duty military, among others. Camp Pendleton has a daytime population of approximately 70,000 people, including active duty service members, military families and civilian workers, according the official website of the United States Marine Corps.
In May 2018, Lyft launched “Base Mode” in the Lyft app to make it easier to pick up and drop off passengers at Camp Pendleton. There is no longer a need to toggle “Base Mode,” as Lyft has integrated base rides that automatically match riders to drivers who are allowed entrance on Camp Pendleton.
“Marine Corps Community Services and Lyft continue to facilitate efficient and economical transportation options for the residents of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton with this pilot program,” said base spokesperson Capt. Luke Weaver. “The last six months have seen an increase in passenger usage as the program grows.”
New State Law Increases Lyft Driver Opportunities
A new 2019 state law allows active duty military and their dependents, who may frequently move locations, to drive for transportation network companies such as Lyft upon their relocation to California with any valid U.S. state driver’s license.
“Military families new to San Diego can now more readily become Lyft drivers,” said Lyft San Diego Market Manager Hao Meng. “Military dependents can especially benefit from this 2019 law because it enables them to quickly become an active part of the local economy.”
Nationally, nine percent of Lyft drivers are veterans of the armed forces, and veterans make up approximately 13 percent of Lyft drivers in San Diego. Lyft has over 1,000 local drivers with base access, including members of the military, their family members, retired veterans and credentialed civilians.
“It can be costly or prohibited for military personnel to bring cars from their home state, so they rely heavily on services like Lyft to get around,” said Lyft driver Victor Gonzalez, who is a member of Lyft San Diego’s Driver Advisory Council. “As a military veteran driver with access to the base, I enjoy helping service members with their transportation needs.”
Giving Back
Lyft is sharing revenue generated by the Camp Pendleton pilot project with Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), a portion of which is being invested in recreation programs designed to support and strengthen the Marine Corps community.
To learn more about driving for Lyft at Camp Pendleton, visit www.mccscp.com/lyft.

About Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS)

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is a comprehensive set of programs that support and enhance the operational readiness, war fighting capabilities, and life quality of Marines, their families, retirees and civilians. MCCS delivers goods and services at over 2,250 facilities with a staff of more than 12,000 employees worldwide. No Defense Department, U.S. Marine Corps, or Marine Corps Community Services, endorsement implied.

About Lyft

Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation, and is available to 95 percent of the United States population as well as select cities in Canada. Lyft is committed to effecting positive change for our cities by offsetting carbon emissions from all rides, and by promoting transportation equity through shared rides, bikeshare systems, electric scooters and public transit partnerships. For more information on Lyft in San Diego, visit www.lyft.com/cities/san-diego-ca.