SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Lyft Inc is launching a program on Thursday to offset emissions from the 1.4 million cars that drive for the U.S. ride-hailing service by investing in projects to reduce other sources of greenhouse gas, the company said.
The move comes as Lyft and Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL], as well as bike-share and scooter-renting startups, face scrutiny for clogging city streets and sidewalks, worsening traffic.
The company will purchase carbon “offsets” to support projects such as renewable energy and reforestation, balancing the carbon impact of every mile driven by a car working for Lyft, including the miles driven to pick up a passenger. That will be a multi-million dollar investment in the first year and the cost will rise as Lyft grows.
