Medford Receives $120K+ From Uber, Lyft Rides

MEDFORD, MA — Medford has received $122,122 from ride share companies Uber and Lyft, Mayor Stephanie M. Burke announced this week. In 2018 over 1.2 million rides started in Medford, the eighth highest origination rate in the state. Cities and towns in Massachusetts receive half the monies the state gets from a 20-cent per ride fee for Uber and Lyft.

"These funds will be helpful in addressing some of the City’s transportation infrastructure needs throughout the community," Mayor Burke said in a statement.

The funds are deemed "special revenue," which means they must be appropriated toward improving infrastructure affected by ride share services. Funds may also be used for the Complete Streets program and other programs that support alternative means of transportation.

A list of proposed projects will be submitted to the City Council in August.

Last year’s allotment was used for the following types of projects throughout the community:

• Solar powered Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) pedestrian warning signs
• Solar powered Radar Feedback signs
• Solar powered Pedestrian crossing signs with flashing LED borders
• Solar powered stop signs with flashing LED borders
• Additional traffic calming measures