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GM, Lyft expand wildly popular Express Drive rental program

Californians who want to drive for Lyft but lack the correct vehicle can soon get in on the action.

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.
Andrew Krok
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GM, Lyft

These three GM/Lyft executives look quite happy. Probably because they're rolling in money without having to put silly pink mustaches on their own cars.

General Motors

Driving for Lyft or other ridesharing companies requires more than just a driver's license. You also need a ride that fits a certain set of qualifications. Not everyone has that, so Lyft's started up a rental program for that exact scenario. It's called Express Drive, and it's so popular, it's expanding westward.

Starting later this year, Express Drive will be available in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. Lyft hopes the expansion will be as successful there as it has been in its current markets. For example, Boston's Express Drive was at capacity in just four days, and 30 percent of new drivers in Chicago have applied to be part of the program. Denver is also on the cards for later this year.

You'll need to apply separately for Express Drive. If you're selected, you'll receive low rental rates on a variety of new GM vehicles. The more riders you pick up, the lower your rental rate will become. Express Drive also provides personal insurance at all times, plus liability coverage when you're logged into the Lyft app's driver mode. Rentals can last anywhere from a month to a year.

Even better, Californians will have access to a brand new piece of GM metal -- the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt. The car isn't on sale yet, but we'll be driving it soon. With about 200 miles of range, drivers shouldn't have to lose parts of their day waiting at a local charger.

Watch this: Hitting the road in Chevy's $30k, 200-mile Bolt EV