Lyft ditches Google Maps for Here, partners with Argo AI

The ride-hailing firm Lyft is altering up its search information and locations supplier, which till now have been powered by Google. Lyft will now use Right here as a substitute. Lyft says the change will imply a greater search database for locations and addresses in addition to extra correct predicted arrival instances—two vital issues for a ride-hailing firm to get proper.

“Over the previous six months, we have now labored in collaboration with Lyft to implement and check our strong vacation spot catalog that helps riders get to extra locations in cities throughout North America. Our companies are actually enriching the Lyft community, spearheading innovation within the rideshare business,” mentioned Right here CEO Edzard Overbeek.

There could also be different motivations for the change. In accordance with Lyft’s head of rideshare, Ashwin Raj, the change will “enhance the effectivity of our market,” however the press launch additionally explicitly mentions protecting person information personal.

Lyft additionally has a brand new driverless tech companion. Previously, the corporate has dabbled in creating an in-house functionality, however in April, Lyft offered off its inside self-driving division to a subsidiary of Toyota.

Working with exterior autonomous driving companions appears to be going higher, although, as Lyft supplies the mandatory ride-hailing part to seek out folks to journey in robotaxis being developed by different corporations. Lyft labored with Aptiv and Motional in Las Vegas, with plans to launch a robotaxi service utilizing electrical Hyundai Ioniq 5s within the metropolis in 2023. And Lyft has helped Waymo start precise business operations in Arizona.

Now, Lyft will companion with Argo AI, the autonomous driving firm with massive investments from Ford and Volkswagen. Lyft is getting a 2.5 p.c stake in Argo and, along with Argo and Ford, will start including robotaxis (with security drivers) to its community in Miami later this 12 months and Austin, Texas, in 2021.