Transportation service provider Lyft purchases multimodal application Freenow

In a significant move, Lyft, Inc. has announced the acquisition of multi-mobility app Freenow. The merger is expected to expand Lyft's operational areas significantly, potentially doubling its current addressable market to more than 300 billion personal vehicle trips per year.

The acquisition is motivated by the large usership within Freenow's operational areas. Since the start of 2024, the Lyft app has been opened 4.6 million times within Freenow's markets, while the Freenow app has been used 1.2 million times within Lyft's markets.

Lyft CEO David Risher stated that the merger is not just for business growth, but to serve and connect people worldwide. He believes that by bringing the best of each company together, they can serve and connect people more effectively.

The integration of Freenow's technology into Lyft's platform is anticipated. Freenow CEO Thomas Zimmermann and his leadership team will report to Jeremy Bird, EVP of Driver Experience at Lyft. Both companies will aim to enhance user experiences through this collaboration.

Both companies will also work together to improve their operations. However, no new information about potential collaborations to improve operations or user experiences was provided.

Country general managers at Freenow will continue to lead strategic operations in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Poland, France, and Austria. No new information about the specific Country General Managers was available.

The fourth annual CiTTi Awards will be held on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London to recognize achievements and innovations in active travel. More information about this event can be found at www.cittiawards.co.uk.

It's worth noting that no new information about the expansion of operational areas or addressable market was provided in this announcement. Similarly, no new data about the usage of the Lyft or Freenow app was provided.

Despite these gaps, the merger between Lyft and Freenow promises to be a significant development in the ride-sharing industry, with the potential to revolutionise personal transportation. The integration of their technologies and a shared commitment to enhancing user experiences could lead to a more seamless and efficient service for customers. As more details emerge, we will keep you updated.