Getting around Mountain View in the middle of the day will soon be a little easier -- or at least, cheaper.
A new program starting this month will give riders a $5 discount for using ridesharing services through Lyft and Uber for midday trips.
The new discount program is being spearheaded by MVgo, the free weekday shuttle program established by the Mountain View Transportation Management Association.
While the MVgo shuttles are free, they travel only during commute hours between the city's downtown transit center and the North Bayshore area. The new promotion with Lyft and Uber is meant to help riders who need to get around town between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the shuttles aren't operating. Riders who participate will receive a discount of up to $5 per trip.
In order to receive the discount, riders must request a shared rider from Lyft or Uber and enter the promotional code "MVGO2019." This discount will only apply for shared rides, not solo rides. Riders can receive the discount on a maximum to 10 shared trips.
The new ride-sharing discounts are being described as a new effort to encourage commuters to use shared rides and alternative transportation. The program is being tested as a pilot that will last for at least three months.
In related news, the Mountain View Transportation Management Association is hosting a booth with free snacks and coffee at the downtown transit center from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on April 24 in celebration of Earth Awareness Month.
More information about the programs can be found at MVgo.org.
