Lyft rolls out pill-shaped device that displays messages, increases passenger safety in Richmond market

Growing on-demand ride-sharing service Lyft announced late last week that it is expanding a relatively new feature into the Richmond market designed to enhance rides and keep passengers safe at the same time.

Known as “Amp,” the program employs a pill-shaped device that sits on the dashboard and makes the rideshare experience safer and more personalized. Here’s how it works.

Amp provides ambient lighting visible in vehicle windshields, while the back of the device features a display that shares messages to passengers and drivers. It also changes color to match what’s displayed in the Lyft app on a passenger’s phone to help them better identify their ride. The messages displayed on the rear of the device update drivers when new passengers are added to their queue, welcome passengers by name, and provides vital support to the deaf and hard of hearing by enabling communication between the driver and the Lyft platform.

“We’re excited to bring Amp to Maryland, DC, and Virginia and further strengthen the rideshare experience,” said Steve Taylor, General Manager for Lyft Mid-Atlantic. “Following favorable legislation in Virginia that enables us to bring Amp to Mid-Atlantic markets, we’re thrilled to introduce passengers and drivers to this device. The benefits of Amp are endless, and we feel it will help to ensure strong connections between passengers and drivers.”

The devices will be distributed to drivers in Richmond who have completed at least 250 rides.