Uber, Lyft offering free rides to evacuees impacted by Los Angeles wildfires
LOS ANGELES - Amid the devastation and fast-moving wildfires impacting Southern California, Uber and Lyft announced an effort to help residents by providing free rides to evacuees to get to temporary shelters.
Uber said it will offer free rides, up to $40, while Lyft said it will offer two rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 500 riders. The free rides will be available through January 15, 2025.
Driver earnings will not be affected, according to Uber. Rides must be requested to or from designated locations.
"We're teaming up with local authorities and first responders to make sure everyone who needs help evacuating gets a ride," said Camiel Irving, Uber’s vice president of operations, said in a statement. "As we move forward, we're staying closely connected with state officials and emergency teams and stand ready to do everything we can to support those impacted by the fires."
Lyft's social impact manager Celia Moreno added: "Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the wildfires in California. At Lyft, safety is our top priority. We're closely monitoring the evolving conditions and staying in touch with our drivers, riders, and local officials. Lyft is committed to providing access to reliable transportation, especially in emergencies to support communities in need."
Active shelters during wildfires
The following is a list of the current active area shelters:
Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 90025
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
How to receive free Uber, Lyft rides during LA wildfires
To redeem the discount, riders must apply the promo code "WILDFIRE25" in the Wallet section of their Uber app prior to requesting the ride to designated locations.
Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a home on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. (Credit: Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
The promo code must be applied before requesting the ride for the discount to apply. The discount does not apply to tips and cannot be combined with other promotions/discounts. Instructions on how to apply the promo code can be found here.
For Lyft, Los Angeles residents can use the code "CAFIRERELIEF25" in the app for two rides up to $25 each ($50 total).
Airbnb offers free stays
To support residents who have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate by the wildfires, Airbnb.org also announced Wednesday that it is working with 211 LA, which serves Los Angeles County, to offer free, temporary housing.
RELATED: Airbnb offering temporary housing to people impacted by Los Angeles wildfires
According to the company, stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and Airbnb hosts — many of whom are offering their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org.