Integration is the first of its kind between a TMC and ridesharing company.
NEW YORK, N.Y. – American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) and Lyft have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that fully integrates Lyft's platform, data and insights for GBT client travel programs. Together, they will make it easier for GBT’s business travelers to use Lyft for ground transportation, through a fully integrated travel program and/or booking system. The collaboration creates an innovative offering for GBT clients, making it easier for travelers to book ground transportation, and for corporations to measure the benefits of reporting, cost savings and duty of care.
Benefits of the Lyft partnership integration for GBT clients include:
- Cost Savings: Ridesharing has quickly become the top choice of ground transportation for business travelers accounting for more than 70% of ground transportation receipts*. While many companies enable employees to use ridesharing for business travel, some do not currently have a policy or program in place, which can lead to missed opportunities for cost savings. This partnership will help corporations capture ridesharing spend and optimize savings.
- Data Visibility: Travel managers gain insight into a comprehensive set of KPIs and data sets to optimize their ground programs.
- Easy Integration: Clients are quickly able to have their corporation sign up for Lyft and immediately have access to Lyft Business benefits via Lyft’s mobile app. Later this year full integration will be available via the Amex GBT Mobile app.
- Traveler Benefits: Travelers gain access to GBT’s negotiated business traveler incentives/rewards and partner rewards provided by Lyft. GBT’s partnership also allows for bookings to be segmented for easier expense management.
- Risk Management: Later this year, GBT and Lyft intend to jointly build out an integration into Expert Care, GBT’s travel disruption and risk management platform.
*Certify SpendSmart Report Q4 2017
“We are thrilled to pioneer a truly integrated and differentiated ridesharing program for GBT clients with a partner like Lyft that is driving innovation in ground transportation,” said Michael Qualantone, Executive Vice President of Global Supplier Relations for American Express Global Business Travel. “This integration is unique from previous reseller models in the ridesharing space in that it goes beyond existing agreements and truly integrates Lyft ridesharing content into our client’s travel policies as a compliant option. This is the first in a series of key milestones for our overall ground strategy that will be announced in 2018.”
“Partnering with American Express GBT to introduce this unique fully integrated ridesharing program for business travelers is an integral next step in our efforts to streamline the corporate travel experience – ultimately increasing cost savings, visibility, and efficiencies,” said David Baga, Chief Business Officer. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the leading global corporate travel management company to provide a seamless solution for a wide range of corporate travel needs, through innovative insights and booking tools that have never before been offered in this industry.”
Travel managers and corporations interested in learning more about the Lyft-GBT partnership should contact their GBT client manager.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
