Lyft has agreed to acquire Gett’s UK business, subject to customary closing conditions, with close expected in the coming weeks.
Gett is a leading London black cab app, with three-quarters of registered black cab drivers across Greater London. With the addition of Gett, Lyft is positioned as the leading app for London black cabs and will offer a comprehensive suite of ground transport options – from black cabs and private hire to bikes and executive chauffeur – that will nearly double the number of rides on the platform across the capital.
Lyft already owns Freenow; currently provides and was recently renewed to provide the bikes and stations for Santander Cycles, including the software that powers them; and later this year will be testing autonomous rides in London with Baidu – making it one of the only platforms in the world offering both human-driven and autonomous rides in the city. This acquisition advances Lyft’s sustainable global growth strategy by expanding “out” in more locations and “up” into more high-value segments.
Gett’s strength is its enterprise DNA – years of high-value B2B relationships with clients ranging from London’s largest corporations to historic venues and major public sector organizations. Together, that makes Lyft one of London’s most comprehensive mobility platforms, in Europe’s largest taxi and ride-hail market.
“With Gett, Lyft is expanding its coverage of London’s full ground transport ecosystem,” said Jeremy Bird, EVP of Global Growth at Lyft. “This milestone reflects Lyft’s commitment to the London market and our belief in its long-term potential. Adding Gett to Lyft’s ecosystem positions Lyft as the leading app for London black cabs.”
“Those who drive black cabs are some of the world’s most qualified drivers. Drivers pass the world’s toughest taxi exam, learning 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks before being licensed,” said Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of Freenow by Lyft. “We are excited to welcome Gett into the Lyft ecosystem, strengthening our customer-centric black cab and private hire service for Londoners, passengers across the UK, and travellers worldwide.”
Gett brings not just drivers and riders, but a proven enterprise business — and its team will transfer to Freenow by Lyft once the acquisition is complete.
“We are delighted to start a new chapter for Gett operations in the UK with Lyft,” said Matteo de Renzi, CEO of Gett. “I’m confident that under this new ownership, the team at Gett by Lyft will continue to reach new heights, for the benefit of all our customers, drivers, and partners.”