Domestic violence victims can get a free Lyft to safety this month

PHOENIX — Ride-sharing company Lyft is offering free rides for victims of domestic violence to get to a shelter for the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month.

“We understood that transportation was going to be a really big factor for these women,” said Drena Kusari, Lyft General Manager, Southwest Region. “We wanted to jump in at the opportunity to help.”

The program partners with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence and Maricopa County Centralized Screening 24/7 hotline to provide the service.

“Anyone who ultimately identifies themselves as a victim whether recently or in the past, we are ultimately paying for their transportation,” Kusari said.

Roughly 100 adults per month are assisted with shelter services through Maricopa County centralized screening according to the Lyft release. About 85 percent of those adults need transportation to a domestic violence program.

“The rides will [be] provided through the shelters,” Kusari said. “Basically the victims can ultimately call and request a ride and a ride will be ordered for them.”

For those seeking services, the local number is 480-890-3039 and the toll free number is 844-723-3387 (SAFEDVS) if there isn’t a safe line to call from.

Lyft will also offer codes the public may use during the month which will provide discounted rides and donations to be given to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

By using the code ENDVIOLENCE new users can get $5 off four rides and for every first ride that new users take, Lyft will donate $10 to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. By using the code ENDVIOLENCE17 existing users get 20 percent off two rides throughout the month of October in the Phoenix metro area.

Funds raised will go towards the coalition’s Emergency Assistance Fund, supporting survivors with meeting financial barriers to safety.

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