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Freenow by Lyft partners with Whizz Kidz to raise awareness about access to black cabs. New data by Whizz Kidz, the UK's leading charity for young wheelchair users, reveals that 96 per cent of young wheelchair users are concerned about the declining number of black cabs. The taxi app provider Freenow by Lyft has partnered with Whizz Kidz to raise funds for the charity via its in-app Round Up and Donate feature, as well as drive awareness about the importance of ensuring young wheelchair users continue to have access to black cabs. A new survey of young wheelchair users and their families by Whizz Kidz has underscored the importance of the partnership. The survey highlights widespread anxiety over black cab availability, with 96 per cent of young wheelchair users warning that a continued decline in accessible taxis will make travel harder. Every black cab in the UK is wheelchair accessible, making the fleet a vital mode of transport for young wheelchair users seeking everyday independence. Freenow by Lyft's black cab fleet operates across the UK, including major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh The research also highlights how heavily young wheelchair users depend on black cabs for daily life, with availability issues disrupting plans for 84 per cent of respondents. Advertisement | Continue story below Black cabs are also primary drivers of independence, utilised by 59 per cent of respondents for social outings, 36 per cent for education, and 29 per cent for work and healthcare. Meanwhile, 53% of respondents stated they turn to black cabs out of necessity due to an absence of alternative transport options. Knowing a provider guarantees an accessible fleet was ranked as a vital factor for booking ease, with 73 per cent of respondents stating that booking through an app where fleet accessibility is guaranteed directly improves their travel experience. Freenow by Lyft passengers across the UK can now round up their fare to the nearest pound, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Whizz Kidz. All donations will support customised mobility equipment, specialist support, and advocacy for an accessible society. To mark the launch, a co-branded Whizz Kidz and Freenow black cab will take to London's streets as a mobile billboard raising awareness. Passengers can activate the Round Up and Donate feature in the Freenow app before, during, or after their trip. According to recent Transport for London research, disabled Londoners rely on taxis and private hire vehicles at nearly double the rate of non-disabled passengers to navigate their daily lives. By offering access to the largest black cab fleet on a single app, Freenow by Lyft delivers a vital service that empowers wheelchair users to navigate their cities how and when they choose. All black cabs are equipped with built-in ramps, floor securement points, and spacious interiors. Danny O'Gorman, UKI General Manager at Freenow by Lyft, said: "As the platform with the largest fleet of wheelchair-accessible black cabs, we are committed to championing accessibility every day. We have already delivered accessibility training for our drivers alongside Whizz Kidz, and are determined to lead the industry in setting higher standards across the transport sector. "This new survey shows how critical fleet reliability is for young people. By encouraging passengers to round up their fares, we are enabling Whizz Kidz to continue their vital work while ensuring young wheelchair users can move around easily and on their own terms." Liz George, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Whizz Kidz, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Freenow by Lyft to help drive meaningful change for young wheelchair users across the UK. At Whizz Kidz, we know that access to transport is about so much more than getting from A to B. It's about freedom, confidence and being able to take part in education, work and social opportunities without barriers. "Our new research shows that 96 per cent of young wheelchair users fear travel will become harder as black cabs decline, highlighting just how important it is that accessibility remains a priority. Through this partnership, we're not only helping to shine a spotlight on the challenges disabled people face every day, but also providing real, practical support. Funds raised will help more young wheelchair users access life-changing mobility equipment, specialist support and opportunities to build their independence, unlock their potential and live the lives they choose." Owen West, Whizz Kidz Collective member and wheelchair user, said: "I'm really pleased to see Whizz Kidz and Freenow by Lyft partnering up. Being able to book black cabs on the app makes a huge difference. It means we can be spontaneous, hang out with friends, and just enjoy life without stressing about how we're getting home." THIIS ROUND-UP Join the 3,750+ mobility professionals who stay informed with THIIS' twice-weekly industry updates.

Lyft gets exclusive pickup zone as Sphere's rideshare partner. Sphere has inked a multiyear marketing deal with ride-hailing giant Lyft naming an official rideshare partner of the immersive arena. |!| Las Vegas

Sphere and Lyft announce multi-year partnership, naming Lyft an official rideshare partner of the venue. MWN-AI** Summary. Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) has entered a multi-year partnership with Lyft (Nasdaq: LYFT), naming Lyft as the official rideshare partner of Sphere. This collaboration aims to enhance the guest experience at Sphere venues, offering Lyft significant brand visibility through digital signage both inside and outside the venue, as well as a designated pickup and drop-off area within Sphere's rideshare lot. Marcus Ellington, Executive Vice President of Ad Sales and Sponsorships at Sphere, emphasized the value this partnership brings, stating that it will connect Lyft with a global audience visiting Sphere. He noted that Lyft is a widely utilized platform, making it a fitting partner to enhance accessibility to Sphere's innovative and immersive entertainment offerings. Jordan Glassberg, Lyft's VP of Partnerships, highlighted that the collaboration would facilitate a seamless and exciting experience for customers from the moment they book a ride to their entry into Sphere. Given Las Vegas's status as a hub for live entertainment, Lyft aims to provide operational excellence at Sphere, a venue that epitomizes iconic entertainment. As part of the partnership, Lyft will gain extensive brand exposure during various events at Sphere, including live residencies and marquee gatherings. This exposure includes IPTV placements and significant signage opportunities, ensuring Lyft is prominently featured both inside the venue and its exterior. Sphere Entertainment Co. is recognized for its leadership in immersive experiences, with current operations centered in Las Vegas and future venues planned in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor. Lyft, founded in 2012, has evolved into a global mobility platform, connecting millions of drivers and riders across various transportation services. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for both companies to enhance their brand visibility and guest services in one of the world's premier entertainment destinations. MWN-AI** Analysis. The recent multi-year partnership between Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) and Lyft (NASDAQ: LYFT) marks a strategic alliance that could serve both companies well amid today's competitive landscape. By naming Lyft as the official rideshare partner for Sphere, the companies are poised to capitalize on the growing demand for seamless transportation options in high-traffic entertainment venues, particularly in Las Vegas, a hub for live events. For Lyft, this partnership enhances brand visibility through multiple channels. Sphere's plan to implement digital signage, dedicated pickup and drop-off zones, and in-app wayfinding features gives Lyft an edge in promoting its services to a captive audience. Given that Las Vegas is one of Lyft's most active markets for live entertainment and event travel, this partnership allows Lyft to penetrate deeper into a lucrative demographic and strengthen its market presence. For Sphere, the association with Lyft signifies an elevated guest experience, aligning with its mission to offer unparalleled live entertainment. The partnership provides Sphere with a reliable transportation solution that can positively impact visitor turnout and overall customer satisfaction. Considering Sphere's ambitious plans for future venues in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor, the integration with Lyft could expand far beyond Las Vegas, leveraging the partnership's success in other markets. Despite Lyft's recent struggles with profitability and competition from other rideshare services, this partnership exemplifies an innovative approach to address operational challenges while enhancing customer service. Investors should closely monitor Lyft's ability to execute this partnership and capitalize on the additional brand visibility and customer engagement opportunities it presents. Overall, while the partnership is promising for both entities, potential investors in SPHR and LYFT should remain cautious, watching for operational performance metrics and market response to gauge long-term viability. **MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release. September 16, 2026 08:00:00 am Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) and Lyft (Nasdaq: LYFT) announced today a multi-year marketing partnership, naming Lyft as an official rideshare partner of Sphere. The partnership provides Lyft with premier brand integrations and visibility across Sphere's ecosystem, such as in-venue digital signage and out-of-venue signage, a dedicated Lyft pickup and drop-off zone within Sphere's rideshare lot and in-app wayfinding. "At Sphere, we welcome guests from around the world, offering brands unparalleled opportunities to connect with a global audience," said Marcus Ellington, Executive Vice President, Ad Sales and Sponsorships, Sphere. "Lyft has built one of the most widely used rideshare platforms, connecting people to the places and experiences that matter most to them. This partnership provides Lyft meaningful visibility across Sphere's global platform while extending best-in-class services to our guests." "Sphere is redefining what live entertainment can be, and we want getting there to feel just as extraordinary and joyful to our customers. This partnership puts Lyft at the center of that journey from the moment someone requests a ride to the moment they walk through Sphere's doors, we're focused on making it seamless, safe, and genuinely exciting. Las Vegas is one of Lyft's most active markets for live entertainment and event travel, and Sphere is exactly the kind of iconic, high-demand destination where we want to show up at our best. We're proud to bring operational excellence to Sphere Las Vegas, one of the most iconic venues in the world," said Jordan Glassberg, VP of Partnerships, Lyft. As an official rideshare partner, Lyft will receive brand exposure at Sphere during live residencies, Sphere Experiences, and brand and marquee events. This includes in-venue IPTV placements and prominent exposure on exterior venue signage including within the rideshare lot at Sphere, providing high-impact opportunities to engage with audiences both inside and outside the venue. About Sphere Entertainment Co. Sphere Entertainment Co. is a leader in immersive experiences, technology and media. The Company includes Sphere, an experiential medium powered by advanced technologies. The first Sphere opened in Las Vegas, with plans also announced for Sphere venues in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at www.sphereentertainmentco.com. About Lyft Whether it's an everyday commute or a journey that changes everything, Lyft is driven by its purpose: to serve and connect. Founded in 2012, Lyft has grown into a global mobility platform offering a mix of rideshare, taxis, private hire vehicles, executive chauffeur services, car sharing, bikes, and scooters across six continents and thousands of cities. Millions of drivers have chosen to earn on billions of rides - helping to create a more connected world, with transportation options for everyone. FAQ**. How does the marketing partnership between Sphere Entertainment Co. and Lyft Inc. LYFT enhance brand visibility for Lyft within Sphere's ecosystem during live events? The marketing partnership between Sphere Entertainment Co. and Lyft Inc. enhances brand visibility for Lyft by integrating its services directly into Sphere's live events, promoting seamless transportation options and increasing exposure to diverse audiences attending the shows. What specific benefits does Lyft Inc. LYFT anticipate from its collaboration with Sphere, particularly regarding audience engagement and brand integration? Lyft Inc. anticipates that its collaboration with Sphere will enhance audience engagement by leveraging immersive experiences and innovative technology, thereby allowing for seamless brand integration and deeper connections with consumers. In what ways could the partnership between Sphere Entertainment Co. and Lyft Inc. LYFT influence consumer behavior in Las Vegas's live entertainment market? The partnership between Sphere Entertainment Co. and Lyft Inc. is likely to enhance consumer convenience and accessibility to live events in Las Vegas, potentially leading to increased attendance and engagement in the entertainment market. How might Lyft Inc. LYFT leverage the advanced technologies used by Sphere to improve the overall customer experience for rideshare users at the venue? Lyft Inc. could leverage Sphere's advanced technologies by integrating immersive experiences and real-time data analytics to optimize ride matching, enhancing user engagement and streamlining the rideshare process for customers at the venue. **MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Lyft Inc. (NASDAQ: LYFT).