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Call for a Lyft without leaving Facebook

The ride-sharing company opened up its API for third-party developers, and Facebook Messenger marks its first big integration.

Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
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Andrew Krok
Lyft

For a while now, you've been able to use Facebook's Messenger app to call a car through Uber. Its biggest competitor, Lyft, lacked that same integration -- until now. More than a year after Uber did so, Lyft opened up its API to third-party developers, so the playing field is a bit more even once again.

Starting this week, Lyft joins Uber as a service that can be procured without leaving the Messenger app. If you don't see anything available but Uber at the moment, don't fret -- it's available for a handful of users at the moment, with a nationwide rollout taking place in the coming weeks.

Lyft isn't stopping there. You can already order one through Slack, and there are several transit apps across the country that plan on integrating ride sharing, like Los Angeles' Go LA. The company also plans on expanding its reach around the globe, allowing users to use a single app in multiple countries, including China and India. Lyft also recently partnered with Waze to increase trip efficiency.

While the battle between these two ride-sharing giants seems never-ending, we all stand to benefit -- especially those of us that can't be bothered to switch apps for two freakin' minutes.