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The math that ensures you always get a Citi Bike when you want it

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Summary

Lyft recently developed its own maps to power its ridesharing platform, with the help of OpenStreetMap and data collected from millions of Lyft rides. This allowed the company to save money and create a safer and more efficient experience for drivers and passengers. The new maps have features such as a photo of the pickup area for drivers, warnings about loading zones and bus stops, carplay and Android Auto functionality, and more. 98% of drivers who try the new maps choose to stick with them. The team is now thinking of new rideshare-specific features to set it apart, such as sharing information about accidents or traffic jams, a scenic route option, and guides for heavily trafficked destinations.

Q&As

What motivated Lyft to create its own maps?
Lyft was motivated to create its own maps to save money, create a safer rideshare experience, and implement features that third-party technology would not allow.

How does the data collected from Lyft rides help the company create its mapping system?
The data collected from Lyft rides helps the company update its maps with road closures, construction, or other obstacles.

What features has the team added to the mapping experience?
The team has added a photo of the pickup area for drivers awaiting passengers, real-world updates, CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and a simplified visual map.

How have Lyft drivers responded to using the company's maps?
98% of drivers who try Lyft’s maps stick with them, preferring it over the alternative.

What new features are the team considering adding to the mapping system?
The team is considering adding a feature that lets drivers share information about accidents, traffic jams, passenger loading zones, and other rideshare frustrations; an option for riders to select a “scenic route”; and pickup and drop-off guides to heavily trafficked destinations.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides an insightful look into the complex process of developing Lyft's own map system, showcasing all of the hard work and dedication that went into it.

👎 This article glosses over the potential downsides of Lyft's new map system, such as how it will impact drivers and passengers.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about Lyft's plan to take control of its maps and how it's saving the company money by using its own algorithms to calculate the time and cost of rides and using OpenStreetMap to power its maps. They've also been adding features to improve the driver and rider experience like warning drivers about loading zones, bus stops, and obstacles and adding CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

Friend: Wow, that's pretty cool. It looks like Lyft is really trying to optimize the experience for its drivers and riders.

Me: Absolutely! It could be a game changer for rideshare companies and could result in improved safety and greater cost savings. They're also looking into adding new features like sharing information about accidents and traffic jams and offering riders the option of selecting a scenic route.

Action items

Research OpenStreetMap and other open-source mapping platforms to understand how they can be used to create a home-grown mapping system.
Explore the potential benefits of creating a rideshare-specific mapping system, such as improved navigation, safety, and cost savings.
Investigate the use of car-mounted cameras to collect data to update maps with road closures, construction, or other obstacles.

Technical terms

OpenStreetMap (OSM): A free, open-source alternative to Google and Apple Maps, created in 2004 by a British academic.
Google Maps: A mapping platform created by Google.
Android Auto: A feature that lets drivers navigate via their car’s touchscreens rather than on their phones.
Apple CarPlay: A feature that lets drivers navigate via their car’s touchscreens rather than on their phones.
Waze: A navigation app owned by Google.
Cartographers: A person who makes maps.
CPUC ID No.: California Public Utilities Commission Identification Number.