Austin Musicians To Get Free Rides To Gigs Via Lyft (Video)

AUSTIN, TX — The ride-sharing firm Lyft has launched an initiative that provides local musicians free rides to and from their gigs.

The Austin Musician Rideshare Program is a partnership among Austin music venues that include Empire Control Room, Antone’s, and Stubb’s "...to help foster an environment in which musicians and the entire local Austin music industry can flourish," Lyft officials said in announcing the program on Tuesday. It's not lost on Lyft officials that they're launching the unique program in a city dubbed the "live music capital of the world," as mentioned in their press release.

“Lyft’s Musician Rideshare Program is a tremendous asset for local musicians," Ryan Garrett, general manager of Stubb’s, said. "Stubb’s is thrilled to partner with Lyft on this progressive program which will positively impact the lives of local musicians and the entire Austin music scene.”

Stephen Sternschein, owner of Empire Control Room, noted the initiative helps solve downtown parking issues for musicians: "It's expensive and difficult to park downtown, even harder for a working musician lugging gear. Parking tickets, towing, and accidents can (and do) eat up every dollar a local musician just made on stage. We ought to do everything we can to fix this.”

This first-of-its-kind program launches during the Red River District’s Free Week, which celebrates local Austin bands with free shows at different venues from Jan. 1-7, according to Lyft officials. The program launches during Free Week, which highlights local Austin bands via free shows at different venues from Jan. 1-7.

"Use code ATXMUSIC for $5 off your first 3 rides with Lyft and we’ll add $5 to the Musician Rideshare Program fund — just in time for a ride to Free Week 2018!" officials wrote.

Facility owners/operators interested in becoming a Lyft Musician Rideshare Program venue can do so by clicking here.

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