Lyft Inc. is an American transportation company that provides a platform for independent drivers and passengers. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in San Francisco. Lyft's business model is to create mobile access to transportation options and thus positively impact people's quality of life and the transportation system. The company started as a direct competitor to market leader Uber and has since become one of the most important companies in the ride-sharing industry. Lyft began in the United States and is now also operating in Canada. The company has a wide network of drivers who work with their own cars and market themselves through the Lyft platform. Lyft offers its passengers various services, such as Lyft Line, which enables carpooling with strangers and often leads to cheaper prices than traditional taxi companies. Lyft Plus is a service that offers larger vehicles and seating capacities, while Lyft Lux focuses on high-end vehicles with luxury features. The company has also specialized in autonomous vehicles and technologies. It has a factory in Palo Alto that advances the development of autonomous vehicles. In addition, the company has various partnerships with companies in the automotive industry to expand its autonomous research efforts. Recently, Lyft has made several strategic investments to expand its business, including the acquisition of bike-sharing company Motivate, Inc. and a partnership with China's largest taxi company, Didi Chuxing. Lastly, the company has also offered a variety of services to improve the experience of its passengers and drivers. In September 2018, Lyft launched the "All-Access Plan" subscription model, a monthly flat rate for a certain number of rides without additional costs. Overall, Lyft offers its customers and drivers a wide range of services - from ridesharing to autonomous vehicles to bike rentals. The company has gained importance in recent years and has established itself as a significant alternative to traditional transportation companies.