Lyft, a ride-sharing service, was approved to operate in Arkansas starting last week and launched in the state Thursday.
Like Uber and other ride-sharing companies, Lyft, incorporated in Delaware, works with local drivers who use their own vehicles to transport people. Uber is already approved to operate in Arkansas.
Lyft users download an app that allows them to upload their payment information, find a driver and get an estimate of how much their ride will cost. Once the ride is complete, users are charged and can rate their experience. Drivers can also rate customers.
On June 20, the company applied to get a permit to operate a transportation network company in Arkansas under the name Lyft Drives Arkansas Inc.
In the application, Brett Collins, senior regulatory compliance manager, outlined the company’s policies, including that drivers must pass background checks, abstain from drugs or alcohol while on duty and cannot accept street hails for rides, among other requirements.
On July 19, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge's office filed a letter saying it would be an active party in the case. On Aug. 24, Lyft, the commission and Rutledge filed a joint motion to eschew a hearing. On Sept. 14, the commission granted Lyft’s permit.
Lyft fulfilled the state’s requirements and already submitted the annual $15,000 fee, due Oct 1., the order says.
The company’s website lists eight cities — Bentonville, Conway, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Rogers — as Lyft-available. A spokeswoman for the firm said the website was out of date and that Lyft is fully operational statewide.
Services started at noon Thursday, according to a news release.
A spokesman for the company was not immediately available to answer additional questions.