Lyft, Uber Suspend Shared Rides

Ride-hailing companies are responding to the coronavirus pandemic with actions that can protect both drivers and riders.

1 minute read

March 17, 2020, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Transportation Network Companies

Nudphon Phuengsuwan / Shutterstock

"Lyft and Uber both suspended their shared pooled ride services — Lyft Line and UberPool, respectively — effective Tuesday in the United States and Canada in a bid to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19)," reports Chris Teale.

While so far, many of the mobility effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been visible on reduced car congestion, declining transit ridership, and increasing numbers of people on bikes, now the world of transportation network companies is also showing signs of change.

For now, single rides and the Uber Eats food delivery service are still available. The Independent Drivers Guild, which advocates for drivers in New York City, is advocating for additional protections for drivers, including a moratorium on shared rides and a paid sick leave policy.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Regeneration of contaminated industrial land used for waste dumping, West Midlands, UK, 2006 .

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites

The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

May 18 - Environmental Protection

Archway made of bikes in Knoxville, Tennessee over Tennessee River.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway

The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

May 18 - WATE

25mph speed limit sign with digital "Your Speed" sign below it.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot

The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.

May 18 - WHYY