Uber and Lyft stop shared ride services amid coronavirus pandemic

Uber and Lyft have suspended shared and pooled ride services as coronavirus spreads.

Uber senior vice president Andrew Macdonald said in a statement Tuesday that the company would be suspending its UberPool option in the United States and Canada.

UberPool allows riders to share rides with others who are heading in the same direction, according to the company’s website. Shared rides are typically less expensive than riding alone.

“We want to help ensure the safety of everyone in our cities, while being available for essential travel needs,” Macdonald said in the statement on Twitter. “We are in contact with local leaders globally and expect to take similar action when needed elsewhere. Stay safe and please use Uber responsibly.”

Lyft also said it is pausing shared rides across all markets as coronavirus spreads, according to the company’s website.

“The health and safety of the Lyft community is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to doing what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Lyft’s website states. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and base our actions on official guidance.”

There have been more than 5,700 confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 12:45 PM with the headline "Uber and Lyft stop shared ride services amid coronavirus pandemic."