Weekly Roundup: Lyft Partners with Benteler to Launch Autonomous Shuttles by Late 2026

Lyft partners to launch autonomous shuttles by late 2026. Lyft introduces driver favoriting and blocking features. Uber files federal RICO lawsuits against LA law firms. NYC launches Operation Bright Eye pilot with DisplayRide. Uber expands instant payment solutions globally.

We break it all down for you.

Lyft Partners with Benteler to Launch Autonomous Shuttles by Late 2026

SOURCE – Bloomberg (Paywall free)

Lyft is teaming up with Austria-based Benteler Group to deploy autonomous electric shuttles in the U.S. by late 2026, as it works to compete with Waymo and Uber's expanding robotaxi partnerships. The partnership will test Benteler's Holon urban shuttles next year through partnerships with airports and cities, with plans to potentially scale to thousands of vehicles globally.

• The Holon shuttles lack traditional controls (steering wheel, pedals, windshields) and can carry up to 9 seated and 6 standing passengers with inward-facing seats.

• Benteler will provide “tens of millions” in vehicle financing for fleet expansion, though the shuttles still need NHTSA approval for safety exemptions.

• This is separate from Lyft’s existing Mobileye partnership launching in Dallas next year, as Lyft prepares its first robotaxi offering in Atlanta with May Mobility later in 2025.

Lyft Introduces ‘Favorite’ and Block Driver Options

SOURCE – Bloomberg (Paywall free)

Lyft is rolling out new features that allow riders to favorite or block drivers, aiming to strengthen rider-driver relationships and keep both engaged on the platform. Riders who favorite drivers may get matched with them more often, while blocking lets them avoid certain drivers.

• Drivers marked as favorites by riders will receive priority for future scheduled rides from those riders.

• This feature has been highly requested by drivers, as there is an increased likelihood for them to receive tips.

• The new feature will launch regionally before expanding across the U.S. and Canada by the end of August.

Uber Files Federal RICO Lawsuit Against LA Law Firms, Doctors for Alleged Insurance Fraud Scheme

SOURCE – KTLA

Uber has filed a federal racketeering lawsuit against two Los Angeles law firms and an orthopedic surgeon, alleging they coordinated a scheme to inflate personal injury claims through unnecessary spinal surgeries. The lawsuit claims the defendants steered clients into medically unnecessary procedures costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, then submitted inflated bills to extract large settlements from Uber’s insurance.

• This is Uber’s third RICO filing this year, following similar cases in New York and Miami, as the company battles what it calls artificially high insurance costs that drive up rider fares.

• The lawsuit cites three specific cases where minor accidents led to expensive surgeries, including one case where a $550,000 procedure was performed after a crash with no reported injuries.

• The alleged scheme follows a consistent pattern: attorneys refer clients to select medical providers, unnecessary surgeries are scheduled, bills are inflated, and side agreements are concealed from courts and insurers.

DisplayRide Helping Combat Auto Insurance Fraud for NYC Rideshare

SOURCE – New York Post

DisplayRide has been selected as the exclusive dashcam partner for Operation Bright Eye, a pilot program launched with ATIC, NYSFTD, and NYAB Insurance Brokerage to fight rising auto insurance fraud in New York City’s for-hire vehicle sector. The initiative will equip 500 TLC-licensed vehicles with AI-powered dashcams, aiming to deter and document fraudulent insurance claims, especially staged accidents that have surged 14% in the past year.

• ATIC, which insures about 65% of NYC’s for-hire market, cites that nearly 70% of claims are now suspected fraudulent, costing millions and threatening driver livelihoods.

• The initial pilot covers 500 vehicles, but the technology could potentially scale to NYC’s 100,000+ for-hire vehicles if successful.

• According to DisplayRide CEO Abdul Kasim, the dashcam equipment normally runs around $250 per unit, though participating drivers will receive the technology at no cost during the initial year of the pilot program. Kasim noted that the setup process is straightforward and user-friendly for drivers.

Uber, Mastercard Expand Partnership to Enhance Instant Driver Payment Solutions Globally

SOURCE – PYMNTS

Uber is deepening its partnership with Mastercard to expand instant payment capabilities for drivers through real-time disbursement solutions and fraud prevention tools. The collaboration will also expand Uber’s Pro Card, which allows drivers to receive instant, fee-free payments after each trip, from the U.S. and Canada into new markets like the U.K.

• Data indicates that 97% of payments to gig workers are considered urgent by employers.

• Research shows 41% of consumers now receive disbursements through instant payment methods, nearly four times higher than 2018 levels.

• The partnership connects Mastercard’s network of 3.5 billion cards and 150 million merchants with Uber’s community of 8.5 million earners and 170 million users worldwide.

Where Are Uber Rides the Most Affordable? …And Most Expensive?

SOURCE – YouTube Shorts

New research from NetCredit.com looks at where Uber rides are the most expensive and affordable across the U.S. From a pure cost perspective, Indiana takes the crown for the cheapest state to get a rideshare trip, with a 30-minute ride on average costing riders $30.35. What’s the most expensive state to get a ride? Watch our YouTube Short to learn more!

QUICK HITS

• In Bloomberg’s Odd Lots newsletter, Joe Weisenthal wrote about Uber’s journey to profitability. – Bloomberg

• Lyft made a slight adjustment to its logo. – Fast Company

• The U.K. government is also cracking down on illegal food delivery accounts. – Financial Times

• Want to learn more about the robotaxi industry? Subscribe to The Driverless Digest, our new newsletter and podcast dedicated to the future of autonomous vehicles.

Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content

Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:

• RSG264: Should Rideshare Drivers be Worried About Autonomous Vehicles?

• 20 Things I Wish I Could Say To My Riders (But Don’t)

• Uber’s Advantage Mode Sounds Good… Until You Read This

• Uber Just Launched Women-Only Rides in the U.S.

• Make sure you Subscribe so you don’t miss out on future conversations and interviews!

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