Tinder dating app and Lyft ride-hailing company Lyft have partnered to create a new feature that allows Tinder users to buy Lyft rides for potential dates. Tinder teased the feature in March, and now it is rolling out to its subscribers to help them make IRL connections.
Tinder members have the ability to access Lyft integration via Tinder's new Explore section. Here they can purchase Lyft ride credits for someone they've matched with. The credit buyer doesn't have access to the recipient's address, but they can specify the exact location, time and amount of the credit. The recipient then receives a link via email or phone number.
Tinder describes the feature as a thoughtful gesture that promotes personal safety and encourages people to get out again after too many months in the house. However, there is no way to opt out.
You can send a roundtrip or one-way ride. If the recipient does not use the Lyft ride, or uses only a portion of it, the sender will be refunded. Lyft accounts must be created by both the sender and the recipient at the time of the link.
There are many ways the feature can be misused. For example, you could use it to create a dine-and-dash plan or trick someone into giving you a Lyft ride for a date that you don't show up for. But those are just a few of the pitfalls of digital dating and they aren't limited to one app. You can also swipe left.
