Lyft opens car maintenance and repair center in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Lyft drivers in the Valley now have a place to go get their cars serviced.

The ride-sharing company on Tuesday opened its first Driver Center in Phoenix. The 20,000 square-foot building is near University Drive and 24th Street.

“What we do here is anything related to car maintenance and repair, but we’re also doing it at highly-discounted prices,” said Drena Kusari, regional director for Lyft.

Lyft drivers can get various maintenance services done to their cars, everything from an oil change and tire rotation to brake pads and filter replacement. Beginning in December, drivers will also be able to get collision and repair services.

Lyft is opening it’s first Driver Center in Phoenix. It’ll work as a race car pit stop for Lyft drivers. They’ll be able to get maintenance services for their cars. pic.twitter.com/f2rx2jK9Kg

— Griselda Zetino (@GriseldaZetino) November 12, 2019

The cost will vary based on the make and model of the car, but it will be below the market average. For example, the Driver Center offers a full synthetic oil change for $49.99, compared to an average cost in Phoenix of $73.47.

Kusari said the Driver Center will operate as “a race car pit stop.” Several technicians will work together to rapidly complete the service.

“You don’t want your vehicle that is your main source of income to be in the shop for days,” she said. “We want it in and out as quickly as possible.”

Lyft drivers can also expect a new technology platform Lyft is using to be part of their visit.

“It’s basically just an iPad on a work station,” said Chris Buller, head of vehicle field services operations for Lyft. “But it gives us a lot of flexibility to be able to take this and take pictures of things that are actually wrong and communicate to customers.”

Technicians will be able to use the platform to let drivers know what services their cars need in real time. Drivers will then be able to decide if they want the recommended service or not.

All the information will be stored in a database technicians can pull up next time drivers visit the Driver Center.

In addition to maintenance services, the Driver Center also offers drivers a lounge area to rest and get coffee and refreshments. Drivers can also connect with Lyft community representatives to ask questions about the app and driver accounts.

Kusari said all these services make this Driver Center in Phoenix the first fully-integrated driver service and vehicle service location for Lyft in the country.

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