Ride-hailing service Lyft to launch in Auburn Thursday

The ride-hailing service Lyft, Uber's main competitor, plans to launch operations in Auburn Thursday, their marketing agency said Wednesday.

Residents will be able to request a ride via Lyft's mobile app beginning at noon on Thursday, March 23.

“Lyft has spent the first three months of 2017 bringing better transportation options to cities across the country," said Jaime Raczka, head of early stage markets and expansion for Lyft. "Today, we are excited about continuing this growth and bringing safe, friendly and reliable ridesharing to new communities."

Lyft was founded in 2012 and is now available in more than 300 cities.

Lyft's arrival in Auburn comes nearly seven months after Uber, another popular ride-hailing service, returned to The Loveliest Village on the Plains.

In August, the Auburn City Council passed an ordinance amendment to allow transportation networking companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in Auburn.

The services are required to display proper signage, obtain commercial liability insurance, pay a permit fee with the city and perform background checks on their drivers.

The background checks can be audited by the city up to twice a year.

To ring in Lyft's arrival, new passengers can use the promo code LYFTLOVE17 to get $5 off their first Lyft ride anywhere.

The company is also looking for new drivers, and those interested can visit Lyft's website to learn more about becoming a driver.

Lyft will be launching in other Alabama cities on Thursday, as well, including Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa.